Petition to save Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy reaches 1500 signatures

The online campaign started this month after convoy organisers Graham and Gina Munt claimed that they felt unable to continue the charity event due to "red tape and bureaucracy" from Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC).

But a petition on Change.org claims that CBC is "jeopardizing the future" of the convoy and "endangering the community ties" – and urges the council to "ensure the convoy can roll again".

CBC says that its role is "not to stop community events from happening" – but to "work with organisers and emergency service partners" to "make sure they can take place safely".

The petition states: "For over a decade, the Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy has been a cherished event in our community.

"This beloved tradition has not only brought together thousands of residents but has also raised over £250,000 for various charities. It is more than an event; it is a celebration of our towns' spirit, pride, and generosity.

"Unfortunately, the convoy is now under threat due to increased bureaucracy and red tape. These unnecessary obstacles threaten to halt an event that has provided enormous economic, social, and charitable benefits to our community. Our local businesses, charities, and people rely on the convoy's success for both financial support and community engagement."

The eleventh charity event took place this June – and Graham says people were "in tears" when he announced that it would be the last one.

But he has been moved by the petition and hopes that it could change things.

Graham claimed: "It's quite heartwarming that so many people want to it to stay. To be honest, I didn't realise that it was quite as important to people as it was.

"It was my decision, but it was my decision because of everything they [CBC] put us through."

He added: "Hopefully we can iron things out, I hope so."

Graham claims that he incurred extra costs this year and that he and Gina were left with "rakes and rakes" of paperwork.

Petition supporter, Ted Baldock, claimed: "The council are putting up brick walls and stopping them from carrying on.

"I live in Dunstable and the amount of people that come out to support the convoy – all waving at the lorry drivers. Graham gets excited when he comes past, waving his hands all the while.

"They have made sure it's safe, they don't go hammer and tong through the town."

A Central Bedfordshire Council spokesman, said: “We know how much the Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard Truck Convoy means to local people and we really value the efforts of the volunteers who organise it.

“Our role is not to stop community events from happening, but to work with organisers and emergency service partners to make sure they can take place safely.

“For such events, the safety of the public is paramount and for a large convoy of vehicles moving through urban areas, there are considerable risks not least the ability of emergency services to move around the area unimpeded.

"The safety advice here is based upon a collective position agreed by the council alongside Bedfordshire Police and the Ambulance Service.”

Click here to sign the petition.