Council defends new layout of Luton junction after traffic complaints
The council has hit back about the new layout of one of Luton’s junctions after complaints of more traffic on surrounding roads.
The crossroads at New Bedford Road, Kingsdown Avenue and Austin Road was turned into CYCLOPS (Cycle Optimised Protected Signals) style junction, as part of the council’s work to make cycling and walking safer in the town.
It is the first of its kind in Luton, and has a new system to allow cyclists and pedestrians to simultaneously cross all arms of the junction.
But opinions have been divided – with some saying it’s created more traffic elsewhere.
A spokesperson for Luton Council said: “These improvements were introduced to make the junction safer for cyclists and pedestrians. The scheme has been designed in line with the council’s Cycling and Walking Plan and to help deliver Luton’s 2040 vision to become a greener, more sustainable town by encouraging greater use of walking, cycling, and other forms of sustainable travel.
"The scheme also includes important safety measures for motorists, such as segregated right turns from New Bedford Road.”
Since opening at the start of the month, drivers have shared their opinions on the new layout.
Online, Nicky Williams said: “When they were doing the work, I thought they were going to put in a roundabout. That would have been better, I think.”
Helen Doyle added: “I go a long way round now to avoid it, obviously whoever thought of that system doesn’t use it.”
The council said it does recognise that there are “currently higher levels of congestion at the junction” and “understand how frustrating delays can be for residents and commuters”.
The spokesperson explained: “We know this is having a real impact on people’s day-to-day journeys and appreciate their patience while these changes bed in.
“Traffic patterns can take time to settle following changes to road layouts, and this is being further affected by ongoing highways works elsewhere on the network, which are increasing traffic through the area.”
The council will monitor how the junction is working and may adjust signal timings to help traffic flow.