New road markings near school in Linslade to deter parking and improve safety

Bideford Green is an “attractive” drop-off location for pupils attending Southcott Lower School, according to a Central Bedfordshire Council traffic management report.

But a lack of footways means the children being dropped off are likely to be walking in the carriageway on the way to the school and back to the vehicle, said the report.

“These restrictions would cover about 125 metres of carriageway on both sides of the road, from Monday to Friday, between 8am and 4.30pm. Some restrictions were implemented to address parking and dropping off in 2018 and 2020.

“A review of these identified that many of the current ‘School Keep Clear’ markings on Bideford Green aren’t compliant with national regulations. Although some of these markings were enforceable, the illegal ones led to confusion and frustration.

“The advertised traffic regulation order replaces these markings and introduces enforceable restrictions to support safer movements to and from the school.

“Blacking out the markings would be inappropriate, while hydro blasting them away would severely damage the road surface. It’s recommended the area is resurfaced to ensure the scheme’s longevity and to limit the need for regular maintenance.”

Three public objections to the proposals concerned a lack of enforcement and the issues not being limited to school times, added the report. “The presence of parking on the markings highlights the need for the legal order.

“The new markings would be reviewed to decide whether any further restrictions are necessary. Other issues raised, such as speeding, parking in surrounding roads, pedestrian crossings, footway improvements and maintenance matters, fall outside the scope of the advertised order.”

Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Russ Goodchild told a traffic management meeting: “It’s good to legitimise the restrictions outside this school, so that enforcement can be legally implemented.

“No doubt as a negative this may cause more parking or drop-off parking on the parallel Soulbury Road,” he warned. “We’ve seen instances of that already.

“We should be looking at developing a parking strategy for central Linslade. I’ll keep plugging for that because it’s important. We’ve parking problems all over Linslade.”

Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Victoria Harvey described it as ” absolutely fantastic”, saying: “It’s been quite a wait. I was promised this three years ago.

“I wonder if officers could be encouraged to look at the travel plan with the school? It’s a long road and a cul-de-sac, so vehicles have to turn round.

“I’m thrilled this is happening, but it still means children are walking without a pavement while vehicles go past. There was a way pre-pandemic that they could enter through Bluebell Childcare on CBC land next to the school, which made it much safer.

“My only concern is around any delay because the road needs resurfacing, so it might have to happen next year. If there’s any way we can expedite this, I’d be very grateful for the safety of our children.”

CBC’s head of traffic management Kyle Stewart explained: “I’ll check if there’s any resurfacing linked to this scheme, as it could be just a lining activity.

“I’ll find out whether the road safety and education team has been into the school in recent times. There are travel planners who work with schools.

“If the school hasn’t engaged with us, I’ll ask the team to reach out again and see what can be done in that capacity. We’re fully equipped to help support schools, as long as they engage with us proactively.”

Independent Aspley and Woburn councillor John Baker, who chairs the meeting, approved the new restrictions as set out.