No-stop red routes proposed for busy roads

A consultation is under way over the plans to try reducing congestion and improve safety in Bury Park, including in Dunstable Road (pictured)

A council is hoping to introduce no-stopping "red routes" in one of the busiest parts of town.

Luton Borough Council wants to bring in measures to reduce congestion in the Bury Park area.

"The demand to keep traffic moving is one of the biggest challenges in the Bury Park area, because so many people live in, work and visit this area," the council said.

If the scheme is approved, drivers would be fined for stopping illegally on any double red lines, but extra loading bays and disabled spaces would be added.

A one-way system would also be introduced along Kenilworth Road by the football stadium.

Road safety in the area has been highlighted before, after a three-year-old girl ran into Dunstable Road and was hit by a bus in 2014.

Police said the road layout did not contribute to the girl's death, but her mother told the BBC: "The layout of Bury Park is so dangerous. It has to be made safer."

The council said: "We're working to improve how people move around Luton, especially along our busiest roads like Bury Park Road"

The council recognised that Bury Park was "home to many businesses, local communities and places of worship".

It said existing "formal" parking spaces and loading bays would not be affected by the restrictions, and that five more disabled parking bays would be added, along with six extra loading spaces.

Red routes would primarily focus on parts of Leagrave Road, Bury Park Road and Dunstable Road.

The council also wants to introduce footway parking restrictions near the intersection of Leagrave Road to stop drivers leaving vehicles there illegally.

New signage would be added to help people find alternative parking spaces.

Drivers stopping on double red lines could be fined

ANPR cameras would be used to enforce the changes, with the council saying: "Using smart camera technology to identify motorists who illegally park or stop is the most efficient way for us to enforce these traffic offences."

Luton already introduced red routes along another section of Dunstable Road as well as Airport Way, New Bedford Road and Wellington Street, resulting in thousands of motorists being fined.

A consultation is open and the council will analyse feedback and report back later this year, then make a decision about the scheme.