Russell George AM has praised Llanidloes Without Community Council and lent his support to the campaign by the council to increase the number of lay-bys and passing places on the A470 between Llanidloes and Newtown.
Llanidloes Without Community Council who have campaigned on this issue over many years, have corresponded with Russell George, the Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire.
Mr George raised the issue with the Minister for Transport, Edwina Hart AM, to highlight the issue.
In response, Mrs Hart stated that there were 18 passing places which include bus pull ins and pull ins at field access points, and that the Welsh Government had no plans to provide additional lay-bys or passing places on this stretch of trunk road.
Mr George said:
“For many years, Llanidloes Without Community Council has campaigned for much-needed road improvements to one of the main arteries through Mid Wales and has identified potential excess ground on the side of the A470 which could be used for the provision of additional lay-bys to help alleviate this problem.
“I am therefore disappointed that the Welsh Government has failed to understand the valid concerns of Community Council who have highlighted important safety issues on the A470 between Llanidloes and Newtown.
“Both the Community Council and I don’t believe that there are 18 passing places on this stretch of road and it is clear that bus stops and other private entrances are not appropriate for slow moving traffic such as tractors with trailers to pull off the road safely to allow traffic to pass.
“Many road users are justifiably frustrated when they are stuck behind slow moving traffic and unless there is adequate provision for agricultural vehicles to safely pull off the road, I’m fearful that there will be an increase in road traffic incidents and potential fatalities.
“I thank the Community Council for bringing this to my attention and as a result, I will be urging the Minister and her officials to meet with community representatives in Llanidloes to discuss this matter further.”
A statement from Llanidloes Without Community Council said:
“Llanidloes Without Community Council has for many years pushed for more lay-bys to be provided along the A470 for slow moving vehicles to be able to pull into to allow other motorists to pass.
“There are only two suitable passing places on the way to Newtown and two on the left hand side from Newtown to Llanidloes that are fit for purpose.
“This is an important traffic route through the middle of Wales which needs to be greatly improved for the needs of all road users.”