March 14, 2022 - 2066 views
Concerns about the traffic and speed limits on the A470 between Glan Conwy to Betws-y-Coed is high on the agenda of MS Janet Finch-Saunders.
The member, who represents Aberconwy has previously secured a promise from the Welsh Government to conduct a review of the A470 and having undertaken a constituent survey to identify areas of concern, Mrs. Finch-Saunders has now written to the Welsh Government to highlight troublesome locations.
Commenting on her actions, she said: “With the next financial year fast approaching I believed it was vital that residents had the opportunity to outline their road safety issues along this important trunk road.
“In my correspondence I have highlighted a number of areas which over the years have been a consistent source of worry and concern for constituents and require immediate attention by the Welsh Government.
“This review provides the perfect opportunity to identify and address sections of this highway to improve road safety for residents and visitors alike. Given this, I would urge the Deputy Minister to heed the advice of the people who know this road best and commit to addressing the concerns I have raised.”
The letter reads:
Dear Deputy Minister, Lee,
I am writing ahead of the Welsh Government WelTag Stage 1 appraisal of the A470 from Glan Conwy to Betws-Y-Coed, in order to highlight the areas of concern which have been identified by residents.Following concerns being raised with me by a number of residents regarding the stretch of A470 which passes through Maenan and past the Erw Glas campsite, I conducted a constituent survey in order to allow residents to highlight areas of concern along the A470 that should be reviewed. Please find a copy of the responses to this survey enclosed for your perusal.
As you will see from this documentation, an overwhelming number of participants identify this section of A470 passing the Erw Glas campsite as a problem. This area is one that I have raised concerns with you previously, highlighting that it is subject to frequent road traffic incidents involving vehicles leaving the trunk road and colliding with residential properties.
These incidents not only cause significant damage to these properties but present clear dangers to both road users and residents. In fact, my constituents when discussing this section often advise that they consider it to be a miracle that no one has been killed at this location.
It follows that I was shocked to read your latest response to me on the matter in which you noted that speed limit reductions would not be considered at this location, as you claim it is in line with current Welsh Government Speed limit guidance.
Given this, I question how this guidance can warrant a speed restriction along the A5 passing Tregarth but deem a 60mph limit at this concerning corner on the A470 acceptable.
I am also aware that the A470 passing through and to the south of Pentrefelin is also an area of significant and continued concern for residents. This section of road has high volumes of fast-moving traffic which is often reported to have numerous road traffic incidents or “near misses” annually.
These concerns are further exacerbated by the fact that many young people and children utilise the A470 when walking to and from their primary school in Glan Conwy daily.
With regard to both of these locations my constituents have consistently outlined their belief that a reduced speed limit and strict enforcement of speed restrictions is required. As my residents await the commencement of your review, they continue to live in apprehension of the next traffic collision that may occur at the above locations and that may sadly result in the loss of life.
Furthermore, I would highlight the section of A470 between Pentrefelin and the top of Bodnant Hill. It is clear to any reasonable driver that the 60-mph limit on the section is extremely concerning given the tight corners and bling summit presenting potentially challenging driving conditions to even the most of experienced road user. In addition to a speed reduction, I recommend that consideration be given to straightening the highway at this location.
Additionally, as you may be aware Llanrwst is historically subject to numerous traffic problems in the town centre, due to the tight corners and narrow section of highway which traverses through the town. Therefore, I would be grateful if you could consider the internal bypass / stilts option developed and presented in a report by Llanrwst Town Council.
Also, while I was pleased to receive your recent correspondence informing me that the pedestrian crossing assessment for Llwyn Birth had been received in draft, I would like to take this opportunity to kindly request that you advise me of what further progress has been made in relation to this matter. This crossing will provide a much-needed safe crossing for residents and it is imperative that this is provided at the earliest opportunity.
Finally, I am aware of a number of residents and visitors who have expressed concern in relation to the entry and exit from Zip World from the trunk road. This junction proves challenging for traffic entering the highway to get up to speed whilst also requiring road users exiting the trunk road to slow down considerably whilst still on the A470. Given this, I would also request that your department consider a speed reduction at this location.
These concerns are further heightened by the recognition of my constituents that the Conwy valley is increasingly developing its tourism industry, with significant investments at locations such as Surf Snowdonia. These facilities, while warmly welcomed, do undoubtably draw increasing numbers of visitors, increasing the traffic volume on this trunk road but also increasing the numbers of individuals utilising this road who may be unfamiliar with these points of concern.
Therefore, I am writing to kindly request that you advise me of the commencement date of this review and to outline the expected completion date. In addition to this I would ask that you confirm that the areas of concern identified above are given urgent and immediate attention by your officials when conducting this WelTag stage one appraisal.
I look forward to receiving your response so that I may assure my constituents that these areas of concern will be reviewed at the earliest opportunity.
Kind regards,
Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
