Abington Active Travel – tell us what you think of our plans
28 November 2025
People now have a chance to comment on proposed traffic and active travel changes in the Abington area of Northampton.
The consultation, launching today (Friday 28 November 2025), seeks views on proposals to improve safety, accessibility, walking and cycling links around the Abington Park area.
The scheme forms part of the wider Northampton Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), supported through the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund, UK Shared Prosperity Fund and central government transport grants.
What’s being proposed
Following consultation in spring 2023 and a review of feedback received, West Northamptonshire Council has refined the design for Phase 3 of the scheme, which focuses on Abington Park Crescent and the junction with Park Avenue South and King Edward Road.
Key elements now being consulted on include:
- A simplified layout of the junction of Park Avenue South, Abington Park Crescent and King Edward Road in response to residents’ safety concerns raised during the previous consultation
- Closure of the eastern end of King Edward Road to reduce the risk of accidents caused by vehicles crossing from or toward Abington Park Crescent
- A proposed one-way system on part of Abington Park Crescent, enabling new walking and cycling facilities while maintaining vehicle access for residents and visitors
- Formalised parking arrangements to reduce obstructive footway parking and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists
- Upgraded facilities in Abington Park for users, promoting the park as an important local destination.
This work is particularly important as Park Avenue South (the A5095) is a strategic route on the road network and is therefore extremely busy.
These proposals follow improvements in December 2024 at the southern end of the Park Avenue South junction with Billing Road and Rushmere Road, along with confirmation of Phase 2 works for the remaining length of Park Avenue South and Bridgewater Drive, due for delivery in early 2026.
Councillor Richard Butler, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “This consultation is everyone’s opportunity to influence how these plans progress.
“We recognise that people are likely to have strong views about some of the proposed changes, particularly the junction redesign and the one-way system.
“We have already listened carefully to residents once, and their feedback significantly shaped the revised scheme. We want to hear from everyone again before final decisions are made.”
Why these changes are being considered
The proposed designs aim to:
- Create safer, more accessible routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and those with reduced mobility
- Reduce congestion and traffic conflicts around Abington Park
- Support healthier, cleaner and more sustainable travel options, in line with the Council’s emerging Local Transport Plan and broader active travel objectives.
The consultation runs from 28 November 2025 until Sunday 18 January 2026. Residents can view the full proposals, speak with staff or submit comments via:
- The Council’s online consultation portal
- Our engagement event from 2-8pm on Thursday 11 December 2025 at Abington Park Museum, Park Avenue South, Northampton NN1 5LW
- Printed materials available on request via [email protected]
Next steps
Following the consultation, all feedback will be reviewed and published. The outcomes will directly influence whether the proposals move forward, or how they are adapted prior to detailed design and implementation.