Residents fight to slash 50mph speed limit through Welsh village
Residents fight to slash 50mph speed limit through Welsh village
A petition was launched by a Pembrokeshire village resident to lower the speed limit on the stretch of the A487 which passes a pub and a primary school with a 50mph limit
People living in a Pembrokeshire village say a 50mph speed limit is not safe
(Image: PA )
A Pembrokeshire village, previously flagged for 'serious safety concerns', could see its speed limit reduced after hundreds of people signed a petition calling for a change.
Last November, Pembrokeshire councillors reviewed a petition advocating for a lower speed limit in Square and Compass, north Pembrokeshire. The petition called for a reduction of the current 50mph limit on that stretch of the A487 Fishguard-St Davids road. The petition, initiated by Emma Tannahill, garnered 127 signatures on the council's website and an additional 152 on paper. Tannahill hopes to see the speed limit lowered to 40mph.
The petition stated: "We call on Pembrokeshire County Council to reduce the current speed limit of 50 miles per hour on the main road (A487) through Square and Compass as it is a serious safety concern for the community. This road is home to many families with young children." For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here .
The petition continued: "A school bus from Croes Goch Primary School has a drop-off point on this stretch of road which further exacerbates the risk of accidents. In addition, there are young families that cycle to and from Croes Goch primary school along this road.
"This section of road also serves as a thoroughfare for traffic to and from Croes Goch petrol station and Torbant caravan-site. Both of which see a high volume of traffic and pedestrian activity.
"The high speeds of traffic on the main road is a risk to those coming in and out of these sites. In addition to the petrol station and caravan-site there is also a pub and public bus stop, both of which are adjacent to this 50 mile-per-hour section of road.
Article continues below
"Reducing the speed limit would significantly improve safety for pedestrians and cyclist."
During the scrutiny meeting, committee chair councillor Mark Carter shared his experience of driving through the area post-petition, describing the 50mph limit as "bizarre" compared to similar roads in other villages with 40 and even 20mph limits.
A public consultation has now been initiated, with local member councillor Neil Prior stating: "Following years of work and campaigning, Pembrokeshire County Council is formally consulting on reducing the speed limit from 50 to 40mph from Mesur-y-dorth to the bottom end of Square and Compass.
Article continues below
"Thank you to all who have helped with this, and I hope that it will see a reduction in speed and an improvement in the quality of people's lives as a result."
The consultation document reads: "The review concluded that the current limit should be reduced from 50mph to 40mph to maintain a safe and consistent speed distribution along this length of the A487 and ensure the safety of all turning movements from the accesses, junctions and through traffic."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Major road opens to traffic after most expensive upgrade in Welsh history
Major road opens to traffic after most expensive upgrade in Welsh history The £2 billion project to upgrade the A465 Heads of the Valleys road began in 2002 and has now been fully completed Construction of the A465 Heads of the Valleys road (Image: Richard Swingler Photography ) The most expensive road construction project ever in Wales is being officially opened on Thursday - 23 years after it started. After more than two decades of disruptions, motorists can at last breathe a sigh of relief as smooth traffic returns to an area previously synonymous with congestion. The removal of the final traffic cone and contraflow late last month signalled the end of the extensive A465 Heads of the Valleys road works. The seminal moment marked the culmination of a 28-mile enhancement endeavour, started in 2002, which racked up a bill of £2 billion. Welsh Government minister Jane Hutt had lauded the scheme as "one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the whole of the UK". For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here . Since its inception in 2002, the project has steadily progressed to transform the A465 into a dual carriageway section by section. Running from the M4 near Neath to the A40 dual carriageway at Abergavenny, ultimately connecting to the midlands of England, the crucial final segment between Hirwaun and Dowlais got underway back in 2001. With the works completed, the road network now boasts a 17.7km stretch of new dual carriageway complemented by 6.1km of side roads, over 14km designed for active travel, 38 new water culverts, 30 fresh bridges, and 28 retaining walls. Speed limits will set the new dual carriageway at a steady 70mph, interspersed with six junctions for access. Article continues below The Welsh Government has also highlighted the project's contribution to the local economy, generating more than 2,000 jobs, with more than half the workforce coming from the vicinity. A total of 158 apprentices have gained experience through the initiative, nearly half of whom hail from the valleys area, reinforcing the commitment to bolstering local education and training opportunities. The road's official opening will take place on Thursday, June 12. The Welsh Government's transport minister Ken Skates said: "Delivering better transport and fixing our roads is a priority for this government, which is why I am delighted to be marking the completion of what has been a hugely ambitious road upgrade programme. 'It's been a complex project, which has not been without its challenges, but is a fantastic example of how targeted investment in road infrastructure can deliver benefits on so many levels, from providing local jobs to improving accessibility, supporting education and skills, as well as delivering environmental benefits. 'Of course, a project of this magnitude is inevitably going to have an impact on local residents, and I would like to thank those that were affected for their patience. "I am confident that once people realise the benefits of this investment, memories of any disruption they have experienced will start to fade.' Article continues below Finance secretary Mark Drakeford added: "Investing in this major capital project has created real benefits for local people. It has resulted in £400m for the local supply chain and has created 2,200 new jobs. 'Beyond improving transport, this project has built a legacy in the area, by training over 200 apprentices and providing STEM activities for local schools. This shows how our investments are improving more than just infrastructure; they are supporting our communities."
Business News Wales
8 hours ago
- Business News Wales
EV Provider Holds Senedd Showcase
Cardiff-based electric vehicle (EV) provider FleetEV hosted a pop-up event at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay to showcase their EV and smart charging solutions to key stakeholders. At the event FleetEV met politicians and highlighted their delivery of more than 400 EVs to the Welsh public sector in the past year through the Welsh Government Commercial Delivery (WGCD) framework for electric vehicle provision, a move which the firm says saved the sector more £1.2 million. Sister company PLUG Charging also showcased their innovative lamp column charger after recently celebrating their placement on the Welsh Government's EV Charging Infrastructure Framework. This major contract will see them roll out a variety of sustainable charging solutions across Wales, including EV charger installations, lamp column chargers, roof solar, and solar car ports, reinforcing their role as a leader in EV infrastructure. Joining the two businesses were players from the Netball Super League team LexisNexis Cardiff Dragons, of which PLUG Charging are sustainability partners for the 2025 season. Sustainability officer Elle McDonald was joined by teammate Jacqui Newton as they hosted a goal-scoring challenge and prize giveaway. 2B Enterprising was also in attendance, sharing information on 'The Bumbles of Honeywood' enterprise programme for primary schools. FleetEV currently delivers essential skills workshops to 20 schools across Wales through the programme. From the Senedd, attendees included Deputy Plaid Cymru Leader and Climate Change Spokesperson, Delyth Jewell, Chair of the Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, Llyr Gruffydd, and Plaid Cymru Local Government and Transport Spokesperson, Peredur Owen Griffiths. From Cardiff Council, Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning & Transport, Daniel De'Ath made an appearance, among others. Jarrad Morris, CEO and Founder of FleetEV and PLUG Charging, said: 'We're proud to be leading the way in making electric vehicles more accessible and helping to drive the shift towards a more sustainable future. Events like this give us the opportunity to engage directly with both the public and policymakers, ensuring the importance of EV adoption and the necessary infrastructure continues to be at the forefront of discussions. We're excited about the future and the role FleetEV and PLUG Charging can play in supporting the transition to cleaner, greener driving across Wales.' Elle McDonald, Sustainability Officer at Cardiff Dragons, said: 'Our partnership with PLUG Charging is an exciting step forward in our commitment to sustainability. We're all about creating a culture of responsibility, whether that's using sustainable materials for our uniforms or cutting down on waste at events. 'The showcase outside the Senedd was a great opportunity to connect with the public and policymakers, and really highlight how important EV adoption is and the impact policy has on shaping a greener future. We're proud to be partnering with PLUG Charging to make a real impact both on and off the court.' Tracy Bracher, Marketing Manager at 2B Enterprising, added: 'We're excited to be working alongside FleetEV as they support 20 schools across Wales, including five Welsh-medium schools. Through 'The Bumbles of Honeywood' programme, children are learning essential enterprise skills and also discovering how EVs are key to creating a more sustainable future. The event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community and demonstrate how collaboration between businesses and education can drive real impact.'
Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Wales Online
Welsh council makes surprising decision after reviewing all of its 20mph roads
Welsh council makes surprising decision after reviewing all of its 20mph roads The decision has divided opinion A Welsh council's decision on the default 20mph speed limit has left the community divided (Image: John Myers ) A Welsh council's decision to maintain 20mph speed limits on certain roads has sparked a heated debate. Councils across Wales are currently reassessing their 20mph zones, following new guidance from the Welsh Government regarding where 30mph exception roads can be located. This is expected to lead to a significant increase in exception roads, in the hopes of easing some of the opposition to the default limit introduced in September 2023. Ceredigion County Council has carried out an extensive review of the 20mph speed limits throughout the county, receiving 62 individual comments. Of these, 23 were in favour of the new 20mph limits, 20 called for changes to national policy, 16 objected to existing 20mph limits on county roads, and eight referred specifically to Welsh Government-managed Trunk Road locations, over which the Council has no control. The council reviewed 34 road sections, all of which have been re-evaluated according to the Welsh Government's 30mph exceptions guidance. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here The result of the review was that no further changes were identified, and the 20mph limits introduced on county roads within Ceredigion in 2023 should remain. This decision has sparked a lively debate on social media, reports North Wales Live. Article continues below One frustrated local voiced their dismay saying: "Are they trying to end the tourist trade around here? Who's going to choose Ceredigion as a holiday destination when there's a way above average chance of going home with 3 points on your licence? "Or attending a 'speed awareness course' that you have to declare on your insurance renewal and your premium skyrockets just the same as if you had the 3 points." Another chimed in with criticism: "Why should we be surprised that this self centred council have again done nothing for the people who live here. "Doing nothing equates to 'can't be bothered'. They would rather spend money driving away tourism by building cycle paths on sea front parking!" Yet, the council's actions did find some backers. One supporter of the measures expressed relief: "After many close calls (including kids waiting for a bus), and a death in our village I'm very pleased. People might not do exactly 20, but at least the majority aren't doing the 40-45 that used to be the case." There was praise from another resident too: "I think the 20mph is giving the villages back to pedestrians and children, people are safer walking around. Why should motorists feel as though they have the priority? Let the kids play out." Councillor Shelley Childs, Cabinet Member for Highways and Environment in Ceredigion, said: "The review was an opportunity to assess how closely the guidance from the Welsh Government was applied on county roads in Ceredigion. "Collision data recently released by the police and the Welsh Government suggests that the national change to the speed limit does seem to be reducing casualties on roads across Wales, and correspondence received during the review process suggests that the new 20mph limits are welcomed by many in the county. Article continues below "Although, the Council's review did not include any speed limit arrangements on the A487 and A44 Trunk Roads in Ceredigion since those are the direct responsibility of the Welsh Government."
