One-way traffic system could come to Biggleswade street 'notorious for parking issues'

A one-way traffic flow could be introduced on a Biggleswade street, which is "notorious for parking issues", according to a local councillor.

A petition with 104 signatures calling for residents only parking permits in Lawrence Road was submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council last month.

Refuse lorries have been unable to empty the bins on some occasions because the road is narrow, say local residents.

"From the residents' perspective parking is an absolute nightmare," according to Independent Biggleswade South councillor Hayley Whitaker.

Commuters and town centre workers can be parked in the road all day, she told a CBC traffic management meeting.

"Lawrence Road is notorious for parking issues and until now we haven't had any action taken," she said.

"Residents are unable to park anywhere near their homes. Their driveways are routinely blocked.

"The traffic issues are made worse by the tight bend near the pub.

"Restrictive parking hours won't work because of the lack of off-street parking for some residents."

The petition asks for two permits per household, but that could be insufficient for some people, she warned.

"I would be keen to see traffic made one-way as this would discourage some commuter parking, if it's less convenient," added councillor Whitaker.

"But I would like CBC to encourage Biggleswade Town Council to make at least part of the nearby Rose Lane car park long stay.

"It's large, central and nearly always half empty. The town council is currently consulting on new parking orders.

"This would be an ideal time to develop a more sustainable long-term solution, which would cover Lawrence Road and that surrounding area."

Conservative Biggleswade North councillor Steve Watkins agreed, saying: "It's an issue of safety as well as parking.

"The petition, while well intentioned, doesn't address all the safety concerns, such as the dangerous bend by The Wheatsheaf.

"We should be considering a one-way system. I'm aware of the improvements this has made at The Baulk with the introduction of a similar system.

"The residents of Lawrence Road are right. Something needs to be done."

Lisa Wright, of CBC highways, said: "Ward councillors have asked traffic officers to consider the layout of the road and especially the bend close to The Wheatsheaf pub.

"We would probably need to progress with double yellow lines on the bend, almost immediately, as that's a safety issue, although that won't help with the parking issues.

"We're worried about displacing these problems into other areas without looking at the wider picture.

"It's difficult to guess a solution which isn't going to cause a knock-on effect elsewhere."

Asked about using Rose Lane, she replied: "We could discuss changing the balance between long stay and short stay and finding the right permit charge to make it attractive to park there.

Chairing the meeting, Conservative Arlesey councillor Ian Dalgarno said: "I note the petition, but I don't think it's the right solution here.

"Lawrence Road is too narrow, so we need to look at one-way as an alternative approach.

"But I'm mindful of the access into Havelock Road, which will need further investigation.

"The formal recommendation is to note the petition and bring forward a review of the area."