Steps being taken to clamp down on commuter parking near Leighton Buzzard Railway Station
Steps are being taken to phase out commuter parking in streets near Leighton Buzzard Railway Station, after complaints and a petition from residents.
But further work is required to avoid a confusing variety of parking time limitations, a meeting heard.
An 82-signature petition asking for 24-hour residents’ permit parking on Southcourt Avenue and Southcourt Road was submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council previously.
It called for parking restrictions to be adopted, which are in use on other nearby roads already.
Resident Paul Fox told a CBC traffic management meeting: “While our original goal was resident parking permits, we fully support this proposal as a vital and pragmatic way forward.
“Our roads are increasingly promoted online as a free alternative to the railway station car park,” he warned. “Benefits include safety as parking on both sides is hazardous on a winding through road.
“The new double yellow lines are essential for creating clear sight lines. This prevents our streets being used as a station overflow seven days a week, finally returning space to the people living here.
“A two-hour window provides a realistic timeframe for traffic wardens to effectively enforce the rules. Parking by 39 to 45 Southcourt Avenue should remain unrestricted as the properties lack off street parking and align with current markings.
“Officers correctly identify our unique vulnerability near the station. Most nearby streets have more robust restrictions already, so any extra impact should be minimal.
“The vast majority of residents signed our petition because the problem will only worsen as the town expands. While we still believe permits are the long-term solution, we urge approval of these traffic orders in full as an immediate priority.”
CBC’s head of traffic management Kyle Stewart confirmed: “The highways team arranged proposals for suitable restrictions to be implemented.”
Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Russ Goodchild explained: “Negative comments from residents in adjacent roads result from a feeling they might be subsequently impacted.
“This highlights the lack of a parking strategy for the area in Linslade influenced by the exorbitant cost of railway station parking. The significant support from residents directly affected is good.
“I’m supportive of the scheme, but don’t see the necessity for the stretch of road to the north side of Southcourt Avenue being restricted to ‘No parking at any time’ between 7am and 7pm.
“The road is sufficiently wide to allow the parking to be restricted similarly to the proposed two-hourly limitation on that side of the road. This change would help mitigate some of concerns raised by residents outside of the direct locality.”
Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Steve Owen was also “fully supportive” of the proposals, saying: “The potential displacement (of vehicles) shouldn’t outweigh the urgency of dealing with the current safety issues being addressed.”
Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Victoria Harvey added: “There’s an issue in that some houses don’t have off street parking.
“I’m concerned about the knock-on displacement effect. The main desire was for resident parking zones, which would be the best solution.”
Independent Aspley and Woburn councillor John Baker, who chairs the meeting, mentioned that of 30 public consultation responses, 18 were in favour, ten against and two neutral.
“The gist I’m getting is we’re supportive, but there might be some modifications required,” he acknowledged.
Mr Stewart suggested: “Looking at the objections, there’s a chance the different (parking) time limitations could cause confusion.