Red route trial for Bury Park in Luton given the go-ahead

The borough council’s Labour executive unanimously backed measures to improve the flow of vehicles and to increase pedestrian safety in the area.

A highways department scheme was referred back to the committee by a full council meeting last week, when the council chamber at the town hall was packed with residents.

Labour Farley councillor Javeria Hussain said: “Implementing a red route restriction from scratch would necessitate the need for a detailed economic impact assessment, as part of the evidence-gathering process.

“But the intention is to use the current cameras to enforce restrictions already in place. Such cameras can only be used on designated red routes.

“We’ve fully engaged with bus operators throughout the process and talks will continue. The main bus company operating in the area Arriva has committed to using low-emission buses already.

“Employing six extra officers to do the job of the cameras would cost more than £230,000 a year. We’re working with Sainsbury’s to introduce new signage to promote the general use of its car park,”added the portfolio holder for public realm and sustainable transport councillor Hussain.

“All we’re doing is changing those double yellow lines, which you’re not supposed to be parking on anyway, with red lines. My recommendation is to stick to the decision we made to proceed with the measures and not to overturn them, as suggested by full council.”

Labour High Town councillor James Taylor described it as “a spirited discussion last week”, saying: “A voice that wasn’t reflected in the room was that of the resident.

“Something needs to be done. This is a good compromise, making it a trial, so we can gather that evidence, see what happens, and work with businesses and partners.

“If it isn’t working, there are break clauses built into this scheme to allow us to change it. We’re not trying to stop parking in Bury Park, just enforce the current laws better.”

Labour Central councillor Mohammed Hanif explained: “The whole purpose of this red route trial is to see whether it works and to show the urgent need for such a scheme.

“Residents weren’t represented previously, so their voices have been drowned out. It’s about making business easier. If the traffic is flowing, if deliveries are being made and there’s no congestion, then the local economy will benefit.

From a social, a business and a safety viewpoint, this scheme is an absolute must. We’ve taken expert advice. It’s a data-based decision, not one taken on emotion and rhetoric. It should be viewed as an economic and town centre improvement project.”

Labour Biscot councillor Tahmina Saleem, who chairs the committee, said: “As the red route is rolled out, there’ll be an economic impact assessment.

“Buses are better for the area than any number of cars. We’ve indicated bus operators are addressing the use of low emission vehicles.

“The use of more enforcement officers would only cover from 9am to 5pm. A comprehensive review of parking has been done and the results are in the public domain.”

After the meeting, Liberal Democrat Barnfield councillor Amjid Ali told the local democracy reporting service: “The Labour administration has chosen to continue with the red route, despite no impact assessments to analyse the negative effects this will have on businesses and residents.

“Should there be a change in administration, then we’ll consider all options available to address the parking and congestion issues within Bury Park.”