Death threats reported in red route row

People have received death threats in a row over new traffic restrictions, according to a Luton councillor.

Luton Borough Council is planning an 18-month trial of a red route in Bury Park, which would involve a ban on street parking and loading.

Labour's Alia Khan told Thursday's full council meeting that there had been "death threats" and an "abhorrent social media campaign" against the move, which left some feeling "unsafe".

Councillors voted to refer the plan back to the executive committee for reconsideration.

The trial would mean painting double red lines on main roads with fines for parking, loading and waiting.

More parking spaces would be provided, including 120 at Luton Town Football Club, and the maximum stay in disabled parking bays would be increased to 90 minutes.

Some changes were made to the proposals following a consultation, but many people remain unhappy.

Labour's Alia Khan said there had been an "abhorrent" social media campaign against the red route plan [Martin Heath/BBC]

Khan, the Labour cabinet member for housing, told Thursday's meeting: "I'm sick and tired of how dirty it's got."

She said "people have had death threats" and urged fellow councillors to keep the debate "respectful."

Liberal Democrat councillor, Lee Bridgen said there was no place for personal abuse.

He said: "We all went to the trouble of campaigning to be elected to represent our local communities and whether we agree with our opposition or not, we're all doing it for the best possible reasons."

Independent councillor David Franks said there was no evidence of the economic impact of the scheme [BBC]

Speaking to the BBC, Independent councillor, David Franks, said he had seen "no evidence" that the council had "done any study into the economic impact of double red lines."

He said: "Bury Park shopping centre is vibrant, it's busy and there is a big fear that the red route system is going to change that and that would be a real shame."

Javeria Hussain, the cabinet member for public realm, said the ruling Labour group had tried to balance competing needs [BBC]

Javeria Hussain, the cabinet member for public realm, said stakeholders had been consulted in an extensive consultation.

She said: "We are still speaking to everyone who has an important stake in Bury Park.

"But it's about balancing the needs of the residents that actually live there against the various stakeholders, which is why we took a decision to tackle safety concerns and also those around congestion."

Do you have a story suggestion for Beds, Herts or Bucks? Contact us below.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Road safety red routes plan to be re-examined

Council targets 'long-standing' road safety issues

No-stop red routes proposed for busy roads

Luton Borough Council Red Route