Llanddewi Velfrey appeals to Carwyn Jones over speed fears (From Western Telegraph)

Llanddewi Velfrey appeals to Carwyn Jones over speed fears

12:20pm Sunday 21st March 2010 in

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A village where lives are being put at risk because of the speed of traffic driving through its heart along the A40 has appealed to Wales’ first minister, Carwyn Jones, to help in its fight to slow down vehicles.

A campaign to resolve the situation in Llanddewi Velfrey has been underway for some 20 years, and is now being backed by Assembly Members Nerys Evans and Angela Burns.

Deputy first minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has also visited the village to see at first-hand the narrow pavements, where safety is constantly compromised by speeding traffic, and a petition is now with the Assembly’s petitions committee.

Llanddewi Velfrey community council clerk Lynda Hill said: “As a result of our campaign, speed-activated warning signs are being erected, and improvements to one small section of the inadequate pavement is ‘under consideration’.

“However, we feel that these measurers are simply not enough and that lives are being put at risk on a daily basis.

“Most worryingly, ten to 12 schoolchildren have to cross the A40 during the rush hour every morning to catch their school bus. A speed survey showed that the average speed of vehicles in the 40mph zone is 46mph.

“We were told that this is not enough to justify speed cameras, and yet during the rush hour, when our children are most at risk, over half the vehicles were going over the speed limit between 46mph and 60mph.

“This is surely unacceptable and dangerous.

“We have been told that it will be at least 2014 before a by-pass is started in Llanddewi Velfrey but in view of current economic circumstances and a long history of disappointments, we are sceptical and agree that other measures to reduce speeds and improve pavements and crossings need to be taken now.”

Council chairman Keith Thomas, has voiced the village’s ‘grave concerns’, in a letter to Carwyn Jones, calling for the safety of his village’s residents to take priority through pavement-widening, speed limit reduction and a safe pedestrian crossing.

He said: “It is a disgraceful situation acknowledged by all who have had first-hand experience of it — including the deputy first minister — and who have been brave enough to stand for a few minutes on the ede of the A40.

“We appreciate the pressure on budgets, but feel that the measurers we are asking for are long overdue, and will surely avoid death or serious injury.”