Luton Council has given the green light to its controversial Bury Park red route after the scheme was forced back through the council’s decision-making process following a row over the plans.
The 18-month trial, which will introduce restrictions on stopping and pavement parking across parts of Bury Park, was approved by the council’s Executive after an extraordinary meeting of full council asked it to reconsider its original decision.
The proposals have been the subject of a growing political and community dispute, including an allegation of “death threats” during a row over the scheme at last week’s full council meeting.
Opposition to the red route also included a petition calling for the scheme to be stopped submitted to the UK Parliament last year. The petition was rejected because it sought action by the local authority rather than central government.
The council says the latest package has been shaped by consultation with residents, businesses, faith groups and other organisations and is intended to address long-standing concerns over congestion, dangerous parking and road safety.
The red route will include a grace period allowing drivers to pick up or drop off passengers without receiving a penalty.
Cllr Tahmina Saleem, Leader of Luton Council, said: “For years, people have told us Bury Park is too congested and that too many people don’t feel safe crossing the road. These measures are about improving safety while keeping Bury Park accessible and open for business.
“We also want to reassure residents and businesses that we are not introducing new parking restrictions. Parking on double yellow lines is already illegal. Camera enforcement will help keep these roads clear, making it safer and helping traffic flow.”
The council first published its revised recommendations in July, following last year’s consultation. They included the red route alongside a series of other measures, while an originally proposed one-way system on Kenilworth Road was dropped following feedback.
The approved package will see parked cars removed from around formal pedestrian crossings and new footway parking restrictions introduced to prevent vehicles being left on pavements.
There will also be 120 parking spaces at Luton Town’s Kenilworth Road site available for shoppers and visitors every day except matchdays and the day before a match.
For businesses, loading bay hours will be extended from 7pm-7am to 7pm-10am and the maximum stay will increase from 30 minutes to 45 minutes.
The maximum stay in disabled parking bays will also increase from 60 to 90 minutes.
Cllr Saleem said the changes reflected concerns raised during the consultation.
“We listened to what people told us during the consultation, which is why there will be a grace period for drivers picking up or dropping off passengers,” she said.
“We’re also providing more nearby parking, longer loading times for businesses, improved disabled parking and action to tackle pavement parking.”
The scheme will be introduced as an 18-month trial, with enhanced monitoring and reviews after three, six, nine and 12 months.
The council says the reviews will help determine the impact of the measures before any long-term decision is made.
The controversy surrounding the scheme means the decision is unlikely to end the debate over Bury Park’s roads.
But Cllr Saleem said the council would continue to listen during the trial.
“We’ll keep listening to residents, businesses and the wider community before any long-term decisions are made,” she said.
“Our priority is simple: making Bury Park a safer place for everyone who lives, works, shops and visits the area. That’s what Getting It Done is all about.”
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