Signs of 20mph zones en route

Meanwhile, another road safety scheme is under way, with 20mph speed limit signs going up in residential areas around the town.

Roadworks in areas including Canesworde Road, Langdale Road and Lowther Road began on July 29.

On Monday, Central Beds Council said the project was coming to a close.

Executive councillor Brian Spurr said: “The final week of improvement works is on track and progressing well and we’re grateful for residents’ patience.

“It is very nearly complete, with just smaller sections of resurfacing, lining and path works to be done up to the middle of the week.

“Last week we managed to install the speed tables, start road marking, complete the resurfacing of Canesworde Road and Langdale Road, work on kerbs, paths and drains, as well as installing dropped kerbs for some residents.”

> Road safety is at the forefront around the town, with the introduction of new 20mph zones.

The council is bringing in a 20mph speed limit in residential areas throughout Dunstable, apart from the A5, Church Street, West Street and the industrial area.

This is all part of the local area transport plan.

In a statement this week, the council said: “ The aim is to tackle speeding and rat-running through the residential areas of Dunstable, which will be further helped when the M1-A5 link road can be built to relieve traffic pressures in the town.

“In densely-populated areas, there is an increasing view that 30mph is too high a limit and there are now an increasing number of local authorities that are implementing residential area 20mph zones and limits.

“The introduction of a 20mph speed limit across the entire area will send a clear message to drivers that this is a residential area and that they should reduce their speed for the benefit of residents.”

The statement added: “We are hoping to slow down the traffic, reduce both the number and severity of any injury accidents (especially those involving pedestrians and cyclists as they are the most vulnerable), improve the amenity of the residential areas and encourage more sustainable forms of transport in line with both local and central Government policies and advice.”