LUTON, (Shahzad Ali) __ Luton councillor Raja Mohammad Aslam, Conservative Party group leader and a former Deputy Leader of Luton Council has urged Luton Council to adopt an evidence-based and transparent approach to tackling congestion and supporting businesses in Bury Park, warning that piecemeal measures such as the proposed Red Route could harm the area’s economic vitality.

Speaking after a recent scrutiny meeting, the councillor Raja Mohammad Aslam Khan said Bury Park remains one of Luton’s strongest business success stories — a legacy of the town’s pioneering communities who built it without institutional support.

“Bury Park provides jobs, drives local commerce, and attracts shoppers from across the region. It’s a success story others could learn from,” the Councillor Raja Mohammad Aslam Khan said. “However, the area faces serious challenges that require well-researched, long-term solutions rather than short-term fixes.”

The Councillor Raja Mohammad Aslam Khan stressed that while Bury Park continues to thrive as a shopping and business hub, congestion, limited parking, and infrastructure pressures have made life difficult for residents and traders alike.

Concerns Over Red Route Proposal
The councillor criticised the Council’s plan to introduce a Red Route in isolation, warning it could push traffic into residential streets, deter shoppers, and worsen congestion elsewhere.
“This approach risks shifting problems rather than solving them,” the councillor argued. “We need proper research and an impact assessment — similar to what was done for the town centre — to ensure decisions are rational and beneficial to all.”

Proposals for Improvement
The Councillor Raja Mohammad Aslam Khan outlined several measures to improve accessibility, sustainability, and economic growth in the area, including:
Safe transport options: Dedicated cycle lanes, better-lit walking routes, and more reliable, affordable bus services.

Adequate parking: Drawing on models from other successful business hubs such as Southall and Wembley, where ample parking supports both trade and visitors.

Strategic investment: Considering partnerships with local supermarkets and venues such as Sainsbury’s, Lidl, and Crescent Hall to develop a multi-storey car park, potentially through Compulsory Purchase Orders if required.

Calls for Transparency in Funding
Raising questions about accountability, the councillor also sought clarity on how public funds have been allocated.

“With £19 million designated for Luton’s infrastructure and further funds available through Section 106 contributions from recent developments, residents deserve to know where this money has gone,” the councillor said.

Transparency, they added, is essential to build public trust and ensure resources are spent effectively.

A Community Legacy at Stake
Concluding their remarks, the councillor described Bury Park as “more than a shopping district — a community legacy and an economic driver for Luton.”

They called on the Council to commission proper research, invest in sustainable transport, provide sufficient business support, and ensure full accountability in its decision-making.

“Only through a balanced, evidence-based approach can we reduce congestion, support local enterprise, and unlock Bury Park’s full potential,” the Councillor Raja Mohammad Aslam Khan added.