Concerns rise about A494 road safety in Wales after fatal accidents. Locals urge government to act on promised improvements.
He said the government promised safety work in 2023. Now, they say work will start in 2025. People in towns like Rhydymain feel stuck. The government promised to address their concerns about road safety.
Locals say some drivers speed at over 80 mph. The road has dangerous curves. People want new signs. They worry about the road’s slope or camber.
Police data showed accidents between 2022 and 2023. There were two deaths and nine serious injuries. Three collisions caused slight injuries. Nineteen others only involved damage to vehicles. They recorded thirty-four non-reportable collisions. Next month, updated information will be available.
Ap Gwynfor said the road has problems. He feels safety work should have started. He mentioned residents are frustrated after broken promises. He said the First Minister seemed unaware of the issue.
A resident, Delyth Jones, spoke about the road in Llanfor. The speed limit there is officially 60 mph. She said the road is dangerous. She has contacted multiple agencies about it. Many accidents happened there through the years.
She explained drivers ignore homes near the road. Drivers reportedly go 80 to 100 mph. Two invisible brows make the road even more dangerous.
A footpath runs alongside the road. Schoolchildren and residents use it daily. There is no barrier between the path and the road. Farm vehicles and animals use the road. Cattle cross without warning.
Ap Gwynfor discussed road safety with Brake. Brake is a road safety group. Luca Straker manages campaigns for Brake. He stated road crashes cause deaths and injuries.
He said road deaths must stop.
He feels a focus on safe systems is important. This means proper speed limits and safe vehicles, and better roads. It also includes family support. Brake asks everyone to act now.
Ken Skates is in charge of transport for North Wales. He said safety is important. They check police data for needed changes. He hopes people will report speeding to GoSafe. GoSafe is their road safety partner.