New restrictions could prevent commuters from parking in residential roads close to Biggleswade train station.
Biggleswade Town Council wants to introduce Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) limiting when motorists can park in roads within a short walk of the station.
The TROs could mean that drivers would not be able to leave their vehicles in the roads for more than an hour in the morning or afternoon.
It is hoped that this would put off commuters who will often leave their cars in nearby roads during the day while they travel to and from London on the train.
Residents in Dells Lane and surrounding roads particularly have complained repeatedly about hazardous and even dangerous commuter parking in the roads.
The proposal is just part of the new Biggleswade Parking Strategy which was approved by the council at a meeting on Tuesday (January 14).
Other changes could include the creation of up to 83 new parking spaces in main roads like Shortmead Street and London Road.
Bays and parking meters would be installed, with the first hour of parking free and charges thereafter.
Car parks including in Chestnut Avenue, Rose Lane and the two in St Andrew’s Street would also offer the first hour free with charges applicable for longer stays.
Councillor Madeline Russell – town centre management committee chairman and a member of the tasking group set up to work on the strategy – believes it will offer a new way forward.
She said: “Parking has been an issue in Biggleswade for as long as anyone can remember.
“We have approached Central Beds Council with various proposals but they have said that an overall strategy needs to be in place before they can consider them.
“We want to offer as much free parking as possible, and any charges that are made will only be implemented to cover our costs – we will not be making any money from this.”
Councillors agreed to form the tasking group after Central Beds Council carried out a study on parking in the town with engineering and design firm Parsons Brinckerhoff.
Town councillors will now discuss the strategy at the next meeting of the Central Beds and Biggleswade Town Council joint committee on Wednesday, January 29.