Luton Council’s new administration has put the proposed Bury Park red route on hold while it commissions an independent assessment of its potential impact on local businesses.
The council’s executive has agreed to introduce a series of traffic and parking measures which can be implemented without the controversial red route, while further work is carried out to assess its potential costs and benefits.
The decision follows years of concerns over congestion, road safety and inappropriate parking in Bury Park, with the council saying residents, businesses and other local stakeholders have repeatedly raised the issues.
The measures being taken forward include removing parked vehicles around formal pedestrian crossings, introducing restrictions on pavement parking and extending loading bay hours and maximum stays for businesses.
The council will also work with bus operators to review the location of bus stops and their contribution to congestion, while increased parking enforcement will be considered subject to available resources.
A further 120 public parking spaces have already been made available at Luton Town Football Club on Hazelbury Crescent. They can be used every day except match days and the day before a match.
Councillor Adrees Latif, Portfolio Holder for Highways, said the council had listened to concerns from businesses about the proposed red route.
“Bury Park is an important part of Luton, but we know there are long-standing concerns about congestion, road safety and parking. We need to act on these issues and make the area safer and easier to get around.
“At the same time, we have listened carefully to the concerns raised by local businesses. They are an important part of Bury Park and we need to properly understand the potential impact of any changes before deciding whether a red route is the right approach.”
An independent economic impact assessment will now examine the potential costs and benefits of the proposed traffic improvements, including the effect a red route could have on businesses.
The work is expected to take around three months, with a further report due to go before the executive early in the new year.
Cllr Latif said the council would use the time to introduce measures it can take forward immediately while considering the wider consequences of the proposals.
“That is why we are taking forward the measures we can implement now, while commissioning independent work to understand the wider economic impact. We want Bury Park to be safer and less congested, but we also want it to remain a thriving place for local businesses.
“We also completely understand the concerns about parking. The 120 spaces already secured at Luton Town Football Club are an important addition, but we recognise there is more to do and will continue looking for opportunities to provide additional parking in the area.”
The council will also explore the feasibility of increasing the use of low-emission buses in Bury Park and continue looking for opportunities to increase parking provision.
The latest decision follows extensive consultation and engagement carried out in 2025 involving residents, businesses, faith groups, emergency services, transport operators and other stakeholders.
The consultation identified significant concerns about congestion, road safety and parking in the area.
The council says it will continue engaging with residents, businesses and other stakeholders as the work progresses.
Cllr Latif added: “Our focus is on getting the balance right: making Bury Park safer, tackling congestion and improving the experience for residents, businesses, visitors and everyone who uses the area.”
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