Traffic fears over Universal theme park plan

Concerns have been raised that plans for Universal Studios' first theme park in the UK have not accounted for the potential impact on the roads.

The attraction could feature the tallest rides in Europe and attract millions of visitors to Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire.

But while Central Bedfordshire Council member Sue Clark said the complex could be an "extraordinary investment in our area", she questioned the readiness of the road network.

Universal Destinations & Experiences recently said the project would "help deliver several long sought-after transportation upgrades, including an expanded Wixams railway station, direct slip roads from the A421 and other local road improvements".

Bedford's central location and transport links were important factors for Universal

The attraction is expected to have 8.5 million visitors when it opens in 2031, with 70% of them due to be from the UK, writes the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Under the project's 40:40:20 Vision, it aims to have 40% of visitors travelling by car, and the application said that equated to about 1.7 million two-way car trips per year on local roads.

The remaining 60% is split between rail (40%) and other modes of transport, including coaches, buses and taxis.

Clark, a Conservative councillor from the neighbouring Cranfield and Marston Moretaine ward, said: "We need to be able to run our lives alongside all the visitors Universal will bring.

"As I wade through the huge mass of planning documents in the consultation, I am increasingly worried the traffic management doesn't stack up."

She said a major concern was the assumption in the traffic modelling that most visitors would arrive after the weekday morning rush hour.

The transport assessment suggests this pattern will prevent overlap with commuter traffic and reduce pressure on the roads.

But Clark said if that assumption was wrong, there could be congestion across Marston Vale and beyond.

"If there's a problem on the A421 or the motorway, it's fair to assume we are likely to get congestion as road users try to find alternative routes," she warned.

The councillor also raised concerns about junction 13 of the M1, which is a key access point for the proposed park.

The assessment said there would be some impact on the junction, but "not... to a degree that would result in a change to the nature of the existing congestion".

Clark said she was also worried about the lack of contingency planning in the event of motorway closures or traffic incidents.

The BBC has contacted Universal Destinations & Experiences for comment.

A public consultation on the proposals will close at midday on 31 August.