Luton red route trial backed despite death threat claims

Luton red route plan approved with parking fines and new restrictions

Luton red route trial backed despite death threat claims Luton Borough Council has backed an 18-month road safety trial that would introduce red routes and ban stopping and loading on parts of Bury Park, despite claims that people involved in the plans have received death threats. The trial covers areas including Bury Park Road, Leagrave Road and Dunstable Road, with double red lines and camera enforcement planned on some main roads. Red routes to bring new parking restrictions Under the scheme, drivers will face fines for parking, loading and waiting where double red lines are introduced. The measures are due to begin this autumn, with reviews planned after three, six, nine and 12 months to assess their impact. Council leader Tahmina Saleem said the measures were intended to improve safety while keeping Bury Park accessible and open for businesses. She said residents had raised concerns about congestion and safety when crossing the roads, while the council also said the changes followed feedback received during consultation. More parking will be provided as part of the plans, including 120 spaces at Luton Town Football Club. The maximum stay in disabled parking bays will also increase to 90 minutes, while a grace period will be provided for drivers picking up or dropping off passengers. The council also says businesses will have longer loading times and that action will be taken to tackle pavement parking. Labour councillor Alia Khan told a council meeting that an “abhorrent social media campaign” had taken place around the proposals and claimed some people involved had received death threats. Despite the concerns and a call-in by opposition councillors, the council's executive backed the road safety trial. Opposition leader Amjid Ali criticised the decision, telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the administration had continued with the red route plans without impact assessments examining potential effects on businesses and residents. He said a change in administration could lead to other options being considered to tackle parking and congestion in Bury Park. Saleem said the council was not introducing new parking restrictions in relation to double yellow lines, arguing that parking on them was already illegal. The trial will now move towards implementation this autumn, with the scheduled reviews intended to assess how the changes affect safety, traffic flow and the surrounding area.