Parking restrictions at Tiddenfoot move commuter parking problem to Linslade street instead

Leighton-Linslade Town Council has agreed to contact Central Beds Council, who introduced the Tiddenfoot restrictions earlier this year, after being alerted to parking difficulties being experienced in Cedars Way, Linslade.

A resident who contacted the town council said: “Following the introduction of charges at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre which has deterred commuters from parking there, the problem appears to have moved to Cedars Way.

“There are a significant number of cars now parked along the street making it difficult to drive down, which is made more

dangerous at school times – due to traffic for two schools and the Cedars nursery. I have seen numerous examples recently of cars mounting the pavement to get through!

“If restrictions and resident parking zones are to be implemented, then they really should be implemented for the whole of Linslade, as the problem is just constantly being moved around. The council should also think about this new approving new developments in town, as no new infrastructure to support commuters or schools are being built where new families are actually living. Alternatively, could the council not create a car park for commuters at a discount rate somewhere is town, as parking at the station is unaffordable for many.”

Cllr Amanda Dodwell, chairman of the town council’s planning and transport committee told the LBO that as well as the resident, local Streetwatch volunteers had also raised concerns about the situation.

She said: “The planning committee are writing to Central Bedfordshire Council to highlight the dangerous parking on and around Cedars Way, and the congestion it is causing.

“I understand that CBC about to undertake a town-wide parking study – they are aware of the problems that looking at small areas in isolation can cause, and are therefore looking at the problem across Leighton Buzzard and Linslade.”

“Although there are no current plans for a commuter car park, I would be sympathetic towards any such proposals should a suitable scheme come along.”

The LBO reported back in April that the three-hour limit would be introduced at the leisure centre on weekdays between 8am and 6pm.

A CBC consultation brought no objections, although there were comments that the limit could inconvenience users of the leisure centre.

But Central Beds Council stated: “The concern regarding a 3-hour time limit is not considered a major issue by the on-site management team. Classes are typically 60 minutes in duration. Back-to-back sessions would therefore leave ample time for participants to shower and change.”