Concerns Arise Over Universal Theme Park's Impact on Traffic
The proposed construction of the first Universal Studios theme park in Europe has sparked fears among residents living near the site in Kempston Hardwick, Bedfordshire. The park, expected to attract 8.5 million visitors annually, is set to become the UK's largest visitor attraction, according to Universal Destinations & Experiences.
Planning permission was granted in December through a special development order (SDO), bypassing the usual local planning procedure. However, local residents are concerned about the potential strain on the area's road infrastructure.
Rob Ford, a 39-year-old resident of nearby Stewartby, commutes to Milton Keynes for work and highlights the existing traffic challenges on the A1, A6, and M1, which feed onto the A421. He expresses excitement about the park's arrival but is less enthusiastic about the planned infrastructure.
'I can't wait for the park to be built, but I'm genuinely excited about it,' Ford says. 'The one thing I'm not excited about is the infrastructure. It's not up to scratch.' He worries about potential potholes and the accessibility of emergency services.
The park will be built on the site of a former brickworks, and Universal has previously assured that the project will bring transportation upgrades, including direct slip roads from the A421 and other local road improvements.
However, concerns persist. Barry Talbot, a 59-year-old third-generation owner of T&L Engineering in Elstow, fears that increased traffic will negatively impact his business, which relies on customers and suppliers using the M1 and A421.
'Any road problems are a problem for us,' Talbot says. 'If there's an accident on the A421, Bedford comes to a standstill. With the increased traffic volume, it's hard to imagine how businesses can operate without disruption.'
Under the project's 40:40:20 Vision, Universal expects 40% of visitors to arrive by car, with the remaining 40% traveling by rail and coaches, buses, or taxis. The park is scheduled to open in 2031.
Central Bedfordshire Council member Sue Clark, a Conservative representing the neighboring Cranfield and Marston Moretaine ward, has previously criticized the current traffic management modeling as inadequate. The BBC contacted Universal Destinations & Experiences for comment, but they declined to respond during the SDO's statutory parliamentary review period.
National Highways and the Department for Transport issued identical statements, emphasizing their collaboration with Universal to support the project's development while acknowledging Universal's responsibility for construction and traffic mitigation measures.
