Speed cameras should be installed on Old Bedford Road after accident, says Lib Dem councillor

At around 4pm on Friday, April 17, a serious collision involving two cars took place on a section of the road between Priory Gardens and Bradgers Hill Road.

One vehicle had collided with the wall of a property, and both cars ended up on the pavement.

Police, ambulance, three fire crews and a rescue unit with specialist cutting equipment were called to the scene.

In the wake of the accident, Liberal Democrat councillor David Franks has pointed to a recent traffic survey which revealed nearly a third of vehicles are breaching the 30mph speed limit at speeds of more than 50mph on Old Bedford Road.

Councillor Franks has written to the council’s corporate director place and infrastructure Laura Church and service director public realm Alex Constantinides, who’s responsible for highways, asking for action.

The Liberal Democrat group leader has been campaigning for speed reduction measures along Old Bedford Road.

“The local authority has the results of a speed survey carried out over a two-week period, about 18 months ago,” he explained.

“This showed around 30 per cent of vehicles travelling at in excess of 50mph.”

“How many more incidents, how many more injuries, how many more deaths do we need to have before we get proper digital cameras in Old Bedford Road, please?” he asked.

“There’s a map dated 2007 showing that traffic collisions on this road are a frequent event.”

The two cars appeared to be travelling in opposite directions, he added.

The Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Roads Policing Unit tweeted at the time: “We are currently dealing with a serious collision on Old Bedford Road in Luton.

“Please avoid the area. And please call us if you witnessed it.”