Will experimental traffic scheme deliver the goods for Leighton Buzzard businesses?

Measures are being introduced under emergency powers to ensure social distancing can be adhered to, as more shops open from Monday.

Work is underway to introduce the new system, which was agreed at a Central Bedfordshire Council traffic management meeting on Tuesday.

Concerns were raised by a trader in a statement read to councillors: “To restrict delivery vehicles to the northern end of the High Street is unrealistic.

“During the lockdown period, my shop alone has had up to seven pallets delivered in one day.

“Is it safe for delivery drivers to lump truck pallets down the uneven sloping pavement when they can weigh up to 100kg? When the other shops open, will the designated delivery unloading and loading area be big enough?

“No. It may be able to cope with two lorries at the same time possibly.

“It could easily end up with a convoy of lorries down Lake Street, restricting access to the taxis and vehicles to the medical surgery and other shops.”

Conservative Leighton Buzzard South councillor Ray Berry said parking in Hockliffe Street needs to be carefully considered because any obstruction would impact the one-way system.

Town mayor and fellow Conservative Leighton Buzzard South councillor David Bowater wondered if the taxi rank outside Pizza Express is to remain.

“We’ve tried to move that anyway, so can our traffic people confirm that isn’t going to be the case?” he asked. “Otherwise it’s a wonderful opportunity to give us a High Street fit for the future. We want a High Street which is totally pedestrianised.”

Liberal Democrat Linslade councillor Peter Snelling said: “It’s particularly important to have these regulations in place for market days, Tuesday and Saturday.

“The multi-story car park is still closed. That needs to be reopened.”

He questioned whether signage would be sufficient to enforce the scheme. “One or two reckless people will choose to ignore the signage and cause problems, so we need some form of permanent barrier. But it would have to be manned to facilitate deliveries.”

Conservative Leighton Buzzard South councillor Amanda Dodwell said: “Pedestrianisation might be the way forward in the future for the town, so this experiment could be really good to see how it works.

“I think for simplicity a 24/7 order would be best with some access for deliveries. I am still slightly concerned about the taxis being allowed at the top of the High Street because they’re a pain in the neck there.

“I can’t see them staying to three taxis in that area without policing. They’re a bit of a law unto themselves.”

She suggested temporarily using council-owned land south of the High Street to compensate for the loss of around 30 parking spaces, as well as for taxis to prevent them queuing in Lake Street.

Independent Linslade councillor Victoria Harvey described “flexibility” as the key word, saying there would have to be an ongoing dialogue with shopkeepers and the business community.

“If the land south of the High Street could be used for parking and taxis that would be fantastic,” she said.

“If the land behind the post office is purchased you could have the buses there, a lovely bus station, parking, great access into the town centre, and you could also take the traffic out of Church Square.”