Plans to ease chronic traffic congestion at Leighton Buzzard Retail park on the cards

The plan, proposed by Central Beds Council, is intended to improve safety and reduce traffic delays at the Grovebury Road Retail Park Access Road junction.

The council says the right turn restriction represents the most cost-effective solution to improve traffic flow and highway safety at the junction.

Leighton Linslade Town Council supports the plan, after years of trying to find an effective solution to ease the chronic traffic congestion.

Traffic issues were raised after the retail park opened in 2019 and were closely monitored by Central Beds Council. But congestion worsened following the opening of Aldi, with frustrated motorists critical of the lack of parking spaces and narrow access and exit onto the site.

The original planning permission for the retail park, granted in 2013, prohibited the sale of convenience food. But the rule was relaxed to allow M&S Foodhall and Aldi to move in, with shoppers arguing the retail park couldn’t cope with the number of visitors.

Leighton Buzzard mayor David Bligh said: “As far as I know, the plans for exiting Grovebury Road Retail Park are progressing.

“Something needs to happen with the entrance and exit to the site to improve traffic flow. I have some concerns about traffic potentially backing up to the roundabout onto the bypass, but it's worth a try.

"I'm hoping the proposed crossing to Tiddenfoot Water Park/Peace Meadows goes ahead as I think that will be a real benefit to our residents.”

Councillor Chris Leaman added: “I know the management company at the retail park contracted a transport surveyor to look into what could improve the flow of traffic into and out of the retail park and this is the recommendation that they worked with CBC Highways on.

"Personally, I’m in favour. The retail park, at busy times, causes a huge bottleneck in town and we need to improve the flow so we don’t have cars chugging out fumes while stationary. I’m also desperate to see a pedestrian crossing there as well.

“What I hope will be agreed is a trial for six or 12 months, so we can see whether this has actually worked or not. A number of residents have independently in the past suggested it to me as the solution for the traffic issues there.”

Cllr John Baker, executive member for highways at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: "The proposal to introduce a No Right Turn restriction at Grovebury Road Retail Park remains in the pipeline. The consultation recently concluded and no objections were received, meaning the scheme can proceed as proposed.

"While there is currently no programmed date for implementation, we are considering how the design and construction works can be scheduled alongside our other highways schemes.”

Consultation on the proposal ended in July with a report expected to be beard by the council’s traffic management meeting on September 29.