We the undersigned petition Central Bedfordshire Council to undertake an urgent, formal review of road and pedestrian safety on Rook Tree Lane, Stotfold, particularly in the vicinity of St Mary’s Academy. As part of this review, we ask Highways officers to consider the following measures (not limited to):
Road markings & enforcement
- Repaint double yellow lines as a priority to enable effective enforcement
- Assess whether School Keep Clear markings should be extended slightly towards Queen Street
- Install enforcement cameras to deter illegal parking on yellow lines and school entrance markings
Pedestrian safety & visibility
- Install kerbside railings opposite the school’s pedestrian exits
- Improve signage and remove vegetation obscuring existing signs
Speed reduction & traffic flow
- Introduce speed‑calming measures such as speed bumps
- Improve passing places to reduce congestion and dangerous manoeuvres
Parking management
- Work with residents of Rook Tree Close to review whether stronger parking restrictions are required
Given the increased traffic, the vulnerable users and the future growth in pupil numbers, we believe a comprehensive safety review and appropriate engineering measures are urgently required.
Supporting details
Rook Tree Lane is a narrow, congested and increasingly dangerous road, particularly during school drop‑off and pick‑up times. Double yellow lines are worn away and frequently ignored, reducing visibility and creating hazards for children and parents crossing the road.
Between 1 January and 4 March, traffic monitoring recorded just under 110,000 vehicle movements, with over 8% exceeding 25mph in a 20mph zone and a top speed of 65mph (data: Stotfold Town Council).
Traffic volumes have increased significantly due to major housing developments in North Stotfold, making Rook Tree Lane one of the few routes to the A1 South/A507. Rook Tree Lane is a bus route and is also used by articulated lorries to/from businesses on Regent Street and the Fen End Industrial estate. Deliveries to the school and household waste collections are also impacted by congestion throughout the day especially at peak times.
St Mary’s Academy is currently a lower school for Reception to Year 4 with up to 300 pupils and shares its site with a maternity hub (looking after ante/postnatal parents and infants) and Poppies Nursery (up to 74 children). The site is in use from 7.45am to 6pm due to wraparound care.
As part of the Three‑to‑Two transition, St Mary’s will expand to a primary school, increasing pupil numbers by around 40%. Year 4 children are encouraged to make their own way to/from school after May half-term. So with children in Years 4–6 encouraged to travel independently, it makes safe crossing and reduced vehicle speeds essential.
Start date
10 June 2026
End date
22 July 2026