Junction 11 renamed ‘Luton central’

Junction 10 is closer to the town centre whereas Junction 11, now labelled Luton (c), takes drivers into central Luton via the A505 Dunstable Road which is already very busy.

Concerned road-users point out the new signs will confuse non-Lutonians and increase traffic on the A505 unecessarily.

A Highways Agency Spokesperson said: “(The sign) is to help people make the right decision about which junction to use, and the wording was agreed with local authorities.

“These signs are all part of the M1 J10 to J13 managed motorway scheme, which started in December 2009, to improve capacity, reduce congestion and improve safety.”

Many local motorists are incensed that the traffic will be directed along the A505 and cause even more delays.

Julia Gordon from Dunstable said: “The locals will now be forced to use the busway as the A505 will be a car park at peak times. Some forward thinking going on somewhere then...”

Luton resident Richard Amrstrong said: “It’s pointless as technically 10 is closer to the town centre.”