Plans to tackle congestion, dangerous parking and road safety problems in Bury Park could see 120 parking spaces at Luton Town Football Club made available to shoppers and visitors every day of the year, except on matchdays and the day before a home game.
The proposal forms part of a package of recommendations published by Luton Council following months of consultation with residents, businesses, faith groups and other organisations.
If approved by councillors, the measures would introduce an 18-month trial aimed at improving safety while easing some of the long-standing traffic and parking problems in one of the town’s busiest shopping districts.
Among the most eye-catching proposals is an agreement to make 120 spaces at Kenilworth Road available for public parking on non-matchdays, increasing parking provision for people visiting Bury Park.
Council officers have also recommended introducing a trial red route through the area. Unlike traditional red routes, the proposal would include a three-minute grace period, allowing motorists to pick up and drop off passengers without receiving a penalty.
The recommendations also include removing parked vehicles from around formal pedestrian crossings to improve visibility and safety, as well as introducing footway parking restrictions to prevent vehicles blocking pavements.
Loading bays would also become more flexible under the plans, with operating hours extended from 7pm-7am to 7pm-10am and the maximum stay increased from 30 minutes to 45 minutes.
Disabled parking bays would also allow motorists to stay for up to 90 minutes instead of the current 60 minutes.
One proposal that has been dropped following public feedback is a one-way system on Kenilworth Road.
The council said responses received during last autumn’s consultation had directly influenced the final recommendations now being put before councillors.
A council spokesperson said: “Bury Park has experienced long-standing issues relating to road safety, congestion and dangerous parking. Safety is our number one priority and these recommendations are intended to improve traffic flow, reduce dangerous parking and ensure pavements and key junctions remain clear.
“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views and ideas during last year’s consultation. That feedback from residents, businesses, faith groups and other organisations has directly influenced the recommendations and mitigations now being put forward.”
If approved, the council says the trial measures would be closely monitored, with formal reviews after six months and again after 12 months before any permanent decisions are made.
The recommendations will first be considered by Luton Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board on 27 July before a final decision is taken by the Executive next month.
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