Luton Business Improvement District monitors visitor numbers through specialised cameras which are jointly funded with Luton Borough Council and positioned in key areas around the town centre.
The cameras confirm that town centre footfall was up by 2.2% against 2015, comparing favourably against the UK average which dropped by -1.1%. The South East alone saw an average decrease of -3%.
Footfall numbers for December showed an increase of 25%, said delighted BID bosses, and the period from late June to the end of August showed some of the biggest increase in visitor numbers over the year.
The figures follow the success of the BID’s Christmas campaign which included various initiatives to attract more shoppers into the town centre.
The family skating rink and vintage carousel also increased footfall numbers over Christmas and were enjoyed by over 1,000 people.
Luton BID director Chad Sonara, store manager of the Debenhams store in the town centre, said: “We are delighted with these impressive footfall figures. We work very hard to ensure the town centre offers an attractive and appealing experience for visitors and workers in Luton town centre, not just at Christmas but all year round.
“For footfall numbers to be up by 2.2% against 2015 is very positive news for Luton town centre businesses, especially considering the decline shown in many town centre locations in the UK.”
The Luton town centre footfall statistics are collated by independent data specialists Springboard. Cameras are positioned in Park Street, Manchester Street, Bute Street and George Street.
