e-petitions - Leighton Buzzard High Street Pedestrianisation

We the undersigned petition the council to permanently pedestrianise Leighton Buzzard High Street, and invest in more benches, trees, greenery, cycle parking, a continuous surface across the street, while making good provision for deliveries and disabled parking. Also investigate bringing buses closer to the high street without letting them drive down the high street itself, along with the use of ANPR technology to enforce the restriction.

Supporting details

The signatories of this petition would like the council to consider our vision for what it could be like if Leighton Buzzard’s high street were pedestrianised permanently. With a few more benches and planters, some greenery, we could have an enjoyable space to spend time in. A space to hold events, and to enjoy our close-knit community together.

Pedestrianisation is proven to be good for business. Permanently does not necessarily mean 24/7 - for Leighton Buzzard…it could perhaps mean during core business hours, like in Salisbury, a city with a population roughly similar to that of Leighton Buzzard’s. A recent IPSOS Mori study found that Salisbury topped the list of retail recovery across the UK’s cities. Living Streets' own Pedestrian Pound report clearly shows how prioritising pedestrians and cyclists over private motor vehicles benefits businesses trading on high streets, with pedestrianised streets experiencing increased footfall, together with higher spending. With this approach, Leighton Buzzard too could share Salisbury’s success.

The government wants half of all journeys in towns and cities to be walked or cycled by 2030. Letting cars back in to the high street would not aid with this goal.

It’s true that there are questions that pedestrianisation raises which are due careful consideration, including the need for better access for those with mobility issues, such as more disabled parking spaces and better access for bus users. But I do not believe these challenges are insurmountable.

Despite being fundamentally popular, it’s unfortunate that often measures that make walking and cycling easier often face a vocal opposition. Please councillors remember that time and again national and local surveys show that a majority of the public want walking and cycling to be made easier. Government polling published at the start of this year showed 75% in support of such measures with only 4% opposing .

Walking and cycling friendly measures are overwhelmingly popular.

In summary, please keep the cars out of the high street. It’s better for the climate, it’s more social, it’s safer, it reduces air pollution, it’s better for public health and despite what some may tell you, it’s better for business.

Sign the e-petition