The ongoing road safety issues on the A470 between Talerddig and Dolfach has been raised on the floor of the National Assembly for Wales.
Russell George, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, took the opportunity of raising the ongoing road safety issues on this stretch of the highway after being contacted by residents.
The area suffers from repeated incidents of HGVs leaving the road where there is no barrier or kerb in place. Mr George was therefore pleased that the Cabinet Secretary for Economy & Infrastructure, Ken Skates AM, agreed to visit the site with Mr George to discuss what additional preventative measures are needed to make the road safer for motorists.
After raising the matter in the National Assembly chamber, Mr George said:
"I am delighted that the Cabinet Secretary has agreed to visit the site with me to see for himself the issues which face motorists on the A470 between Talerddig and Dolfach.
I am also grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for his positive response to my calls for there to be additional preventative measures to improve road safety on this stretch of the highway.
"Speed is only one contributory factor which results in vehicles leaving the road so it is essential that a full assessment is undertaken to ascertain what other improvements to the layout of the road are necessary to ensure that this stretch of the A470 is fit for purpose and safe for motorists."
“The issue has been raised with me by County Councillor Dai Jones and by Diane Jones-Poston, who has been receiving views from residents.
Diane Jones-Poston added:
"Residents have raised on a regular basis the issue of road safety on the A470 between Talerddig and Dolfach. HGVs regularly leave the road, causing not only significant road safety issues but disruption to motorists on what is the main North-South link road.
"It has been clear for some time that this section of road needs urgent works carried out to make it safer and I am pleased that Russell took the opportunity to raise the matter with the Cabinet Secretary and that he has responded positively, suggesting a site visit and is happy to consider further preventative road safety measures in this area."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
Record of Proceedings from the National Assembly for Wales - 29/03/17
Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy & Infrastructure
Russell George
Cabinet Secretary, you will be aware that heavy goods vehicles frequently leave the road on the A470 between Talerddig and Dolfach where there is no road barrier or curb in place. You previously informed me that you intend to carry out another speed limit review of trunk roads this summer, which will prioritise a list of sites. However, the speed limit isn't really the problem here; it’s the layout of the road and the fact that there are no warning signs or barriers. So, can I ask: will you commit the Welsh Government to assessing other preventative measures in addition to the imposition of speed limits on main trunk roads throughout mid Wales?
Ken Skates
Yes, I'd gladly do that. And can I suggest that I visit that particular stretch of the A470 with the Member? I recently had representation from the Member’s colleague Darren Millar concerning a similar road in his constituency. I took a site visit there and, as a consequence, we are now looking at altering the signage at the road, which is often confusing. I think it's absolutely essential that we give a clear indication to motorists of what is a safe speed, and not just the speed limit. Where the speed limit needs to be reduced we will do so on an evidence base, but also in conjunction, often, with the concerns of local communities. But where a road requires additional work to make it safer, I'm more than happy to consider investing in the particular infrastructure.