Bury Park traffic and safety improvements to move forward

Bury Park has long-standing issues with congestion, road safety and inappropriate parking, with concerns raised by residents, businesses and other local stakeholders over many years. 

The council remains committed to tackling these issues and improving the area for everyone who lives, works, shops and visits there.

Following the change in administration, the council’s Executive has agreed to bring forward measures that can be implemented without a red route, including:

• improving pedestrian safety by removing parked vehicles around formal crossing points
• introducing footway parking restrictions to keep pavements clear and accessible
• extending loading bay hours and increasing the maximum stay to give businesses more flexibility
• working with bus operators to review bus stop locations and their contribution to congestion
• increased parking enforcement, subject to available resources
• continuing to review opportunities for additional parking in the area
• working with bus operators to explore the feasibility of increasing the use of low-emission vehicles in Bury Park.

The council has already made 120 additional public parking spaces available at Luton Town Football Club on Hazelbury Crescent, which can be used except on match days and the day before a match.

Officers will continue to explore further opportunities to increase parking provision, recognising the concerns raised by residents and businesses about the availability of parking.

The Executive has also agreed that an independent economic impact assessment should be undertaken to better understand the potential costs and benefits of the proposed traffic improvements, including the impact of a red route on local businesses. This work is expected to take around three months, with a further report to Executive early in the new year.

Cllr Adrees Latif, Portfolio Holder for Highways, said: “Bury Park is an important part of Luton, but we know there are long-standing concerns about congestion, road safety and parking. We need to act on these issues and make the area safer and easier to get around.

“At the same time, we have listened carefully to the concerns raised by local businesses. They are an important part of Bury Park and we need to properly understand the potential impact of any changes before deciding whether a red route is the right approach.

“That is why we are taking forward the measures we can implement now, while commissioning independent work to understand the wider economic impact. We want Bury Park to be safer and less congested, but we also want it to remain a thriving place for local businesses.

“We also completely understand the concerns about parking. The 120 spaces already secured at Luton Town Football Club are an important addition, but we recognise there is more to do and will continue looking for opportunities to provide additional parking in the area.

“Our focus is on getting the balance right: making Bury Park safer, tackling congestion and improving the experience for residents, businesses, visitors and everyone who uses the area.”

The council will continue to engage with residents, businesses and other stakeholders as the work progresses.

The measures follow extensive consultation and engagement undertaken in 2025, which included residents, businesses, faith groups, emergency services, transport operators and other stakeholders. The consultation identified significant concerns around congestion, road safety and parking in the area.