I am a resident of the Bedford Meadows development In Kempston Bedfordshire. Like many other residents on this development I do not object to the bus gate that has now been installed and is due to go live in one week. This will put an end to the so called 'rat running' many of us have experienced. However,  prohibiting residents from driving the length of Wilkinson Road is a very short-sighted decision and requires an urgent and proper investigation and review. Residents will be forced to travel further in the opposite direction in order to reach work, school, local amenities and further. The only other route is to join the ever congested A428 with its various set of lights and bottleneck traffic at peak times. Engines will be emitting more fumes and this will have a negative affect on the environment and the stress levels of residents.  We cannot simply drive in the direction we need to to go in order to go about our daily lives.  There will be far more traffic forced up towards Kempston Rural where many young children are walking to school and crossing the road.  Others will be forced to drive south away from their direction of travel and join the congestion around the Marsh Leys junction, waiting for the lights to change and following a huge loop just to get to the other end of the Road. It is utterly wrong that residents were not listened to and when this traffic order was put in motion over 10 years ago and that the development of the Bedford Link Industrial Park adding even more traffic to the A428 was not considered.  This is a terrible blight on our environment and should be stopped immediately. 

Give residents access with a registered vehicle and this will prevent rat running by those not resident here and we can go about our daily lives and protect the environment.

The current camera that has been installed is an ANPR camera and as such the technology is already there in order to facilitate the residents request.

Please sign this petition and add your comments as I believe that together we can make the our voices heard and persuade Bedford Borough council to do the right thing for the Residents of this development.