Red route plan for Luton's Bury Park could be delayed after councillors' challenge

Recommendations backed by the borough council’s executive are being called in for review by former Liberal Democrat group leader and now Independent Barnfield councillor David Franks and Lib Dem Vauxhall councillor Lee Bridgen.

The red route along a section of Dunstable Road was part of LBC highways department proposals approved by the executive earlier this month.

But opponents of the experimental traffic regulation order (ETRO) say current measures to manage transport in Bury Park should be more rigorously enforced, without the need for the red route.

Concerns raised by the council’s overview and scrutiny board are set to be considered when it meets again this evening (Monday, August 24).

Numerous complaints have been received from the local community about congestion, road safety and inappropriate parking behaviour, a previous report to the board explained.

Three options will be available to the board, according to a report to its meeting tonight. It can indicate having no objection to the call-in decision being implemented immediately, said the report.

“Alternatively, it can refer the call-in plans back to the executive for reconsideration and may recommend that the committee amends these in some way. Or it can refer the matter to a full council meeting for debate.

“A full council meeting cannot change the decision of the executive. It may debate the matter and could take one of those options set out.”

Concerns about some elements of the proposals, particularly the 18-month red route trial period, led to the board objecting to the package of highways improvements for the area last month.

Although the executive noted the board’s comments, it recommended “the concerns raised by the community around congestion, safety and inappropriate parking behaviour in Bury Park be agreed”, added the report.

“The committee also stated the reason given for the approval was to enhance road safety and reduce congestion to meet the needs of all road users, in line with the council’s statutory duties under the Traffic Management Act 2004.

“After publication of the executive’s recommendations on August 5, the decisions were called in by councillor Franks and councillor Bridgen under standing orders. The board is due to hear their reasons why and to decide if the committee outcome should be scrutinised.”

The double red lines of the ETRO signify ‘No stopping at any time’, including no parking or loading, and will be enforced by cameras. A three-minute grace period is planned for the red route to allow drivers to pick up and drop off, without receiving a fine.

“It’s about stopping illegal parking and obtaining an improved traffic flow, with better enforcement of the current restrictions,” council leader and Labour Biscot councillor Tahmina Saleem said previously.

But Liberal Democrat group leader and Barnfield councillor Amjid Ali suggested: “This is going to be detrimental to the area, and I’m disappointed you’re pushing through something which is deeply unpopular locally.”