Luton Bury Park red route trial approved with new parking measures

Bury Park parking changes confirmed as Luton red route trial goes ahead

Luton Bury Park red route trial approved with new parking measures A major package of traffic and parking changes is set to go ahead in Bury Park, Luton, with an 18-month red route trial aimed at improving road safety, reducing congestion and tackling parking problems. Luton Council's Executive approved the scheme after the original decision was referred back for reconsideration at an extraordinary meeting of the full council. Red route trial to begin this autumn The trial will introduce double red lines on parts of the area's main roads, with parking, waiting and loading restrictions enforced through camera enforcement. The measures will affect roads including Bury Park Road, Leagrave Road and Dunstable Road, where the council says long-standing concerns have been raised about congestion, dangerous parking and pedestrian safety. A grace period will allow drivers to pick up and drop off passengers without receiving a fine, following feedback gathered during the consultation. The council says the scheme has followed technical work and engagement with residents, businesses, faith groups and other stakeholders. Parking availability will also be increased, with 120 spaces being provided at Luton Town Football Club for shoppers and visitors throughout the year, except on matchdays and the day before a match. The changes will also target vehicles parked around formal pedestrian crossing points, with the aim of keeping these areas clear and improving visibility and safety. Footway parking restrictions are being introduced to prevent vehicles from parking illegally on pavements and help keep routes accessible for pedestrians. More time for loading and disabled parking Loading arrangements will also change, with loading bay hours extended from 7pm-7am to 7pm-10am. The maximum stay in loading bays will increase from 30 minutes to 45 minutes, giving businesses more time when making deliveries and carrying out loading activity. Disabled parking bays will also have a longer maximum stay, increasing from 60 minutes to 90 minutes. Council leader Tahmina Saleem said the measures were intended to make Bury Park safer while keeping the area accessible and open for business. She said the council had listened to feedback during the consultation and had responded with measures including the grace period, additional parking, longer loading times and improved disabled parking. The proposals have also attracted controversy, with Labour councillor Alia Khan telling a council meeting that an “abhorrent social media campaign” had taken place around the red route plans and claiming people involved had received death threats. Despite the opposition and the call-in of the original decision, the council's executive backed the scheme and confirmed that the trial will proceed. Opposition leader Amjid Ali criticised the decision, saying the administration was continuing with the red route without impact assessments examining potential effects on businesses and residents. The council plans to closely monitor the trial, with reviews scheduled after three, six, nine and 12 months to assess its impact before any long-term decisions are made. For drivers, the key changes will be the new red route restrictions, camera enforcement, additional parking and revised loading and disabled parking arrangements, with the trial due to begin later this autumn.