Two local politicians have said that permanent traffic lights on Caersws would be unworkable.
The Welsh Government is currently investigating options to address pedestrian safety concerns at the existing A470 bridge in Caersws.
Russell George, Assembly Member for Montgomeryshire, and County Councillor for Caersws, Cllr. Les George are urging residents to respond to a Welsh Government consultation.
Earlier this year, a short trial took place which saw the segregation of vehicles and pedestrians using a single traffic lane with footway under permanent lights. The trial resulted in traffic queuing at both bridge approaches during the day, with 10-15 vehicle queues observed at times during the trial.
The Welsh Government consultation, which is open until 31st January 2018, lists four improvement options including:
· additional signage (pedestrian warning signs) and road markings (ARAF/SLOW)
· a permanent traffic signal control, single file traffic lane and footway on the road bridge
· a new footbridge attached to the existing grade 2 listed bridge
· a new stand-alone footbridge
Mr George said:
“There is community opposition to the option of a traffic light system which would be impractical and I believe would cause excessive traffic congestion. The trial in May seems to have provided irrefutable evidence that this would be the case and as such, traffic lights wouldn't be the right option for Caersws.
"I’m pleased that the Welsh Government has published what seems to be a genuinely open consultation with a range of options to be considered and I would encourage residents to take part and provide their views.
“Almost a year ago, I was pleased to join members of the Caersws Bridge Action Group to show Ken Skates AM, the Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, the danger of pedestrian access over the existing bridge."
Cllr. Les George added:
“Pedestrians including school children currently have to dice with death when crossing the current bridge – having to face on-coming lorries travelling at speed on what is a main arterial route from North to South.
"I have never thought that a traffic light system would be the best option for Caersws and the recent trial seems to have supported this view. It would create unnecessary congestion in the centre of the village and we don't want to be in a position whereby we create another problem by resolving another.
“I would therefore encourage residents to formally respond to this important consultation.
"Also, if anybody wants to speak to us about this issue in more detail and needs help filling in a hard copy of the consultation, please come along to our next advice surgery which will take place on Thursday 30th November between 3.30pm and 5.30pm at the Caersws Village Club."