Yellow lines for Linslade street to tackle commuter parking problem

No waiting restrictions are due to be applied to parts of Mowbray Drive, which is used by commuter traffic for parking.

Putting double yellow lines on sections of Mowbray Drive “fulfils a commitment made to residents over commuter parking issues,” according to a report to Central Bedfordshire Council’s traffic management committee.

Mowbray Drive is in walking distance of Leighton Buzzard Railway Station, which has led to complaints from residents about the number of commuters using the road to avoid parking charges, says the report.

“The demand for parking within the road has increased as a result of restrictions introduced in other roads within Linslade,” it adds.

There was “strong support for measures to prohibit parking on the approach to the junction with Soulbury Road”, when residents were consulted.

There was some support for restrictions further into Mowbray Drive, said the report, but minimal backing for a residents’ permits scheme.

Mrs Niblett, of Mowbray Drive, agreed the yellow lines are needed in places, but thinks they are unnecessary outside her property.

She said: “The extent of the yellow lines would be disproportionate to the risk”, as there have been no serious accidents in the road.

“I am not against them, but they just go a little bit too far.

“I am asking you to reduce the length of the double yellow lines by just a few car lengths.”

Another Mowbray Drive resident Brian Mackay said some residents believe the ‘no waiting at any time’ scheme does not go far enough.

“We are seeing the ripple effect whereby commuters displaced from other areas now restricted are now seeking another refuge in the form of Mowbray Drive,” he said.

“We believe it does not go far enough and discriminates against the residents of Mowbray Drive in comparison to other areas of Leighton Buzzard.”

He asked for yellow lines with a one-hour parking restriction in the morning and afternoon, which has happened on several other roads in the area.

Conservative Linslade councillor Gordon Perham supports the measures being introduced in the area.

He said police have been called on occasions when deliveries couldn’t be made to houses because of parked cars, and he’s had to attend.

And there have been difficulties on bin collection days, when the council vehicles have been unable to get down the street.

There have been instances of people with suitcases leaving their car parked for a week, he added.

Conservative Arlesey councillor Ian Dalgarno, who chairs the traffic management meetings, explained nobody has the right to park outside their own home.

He said one-hour restrictions have not been advertised for the area, so “I can’t go down that route.”

But it was agreed to reduce the area covered by the yellow lines when the scheme is introduced shortly.

Council highways officers will implement the original plans, within a two-year period, if necessary because of traffic issues in the area.