AM welcomes village anti-speeding measures

Residents in a rural village near Llangollen blighted by speeding will finally see some permanent action, says their MP.

Campaigners in Pontfadog have long called for measures to reduce irresponsible driving on the B4500, and have been supported by their Assembly Member Ken Skates.

The Clwyd South AM (pictured) contacted Wrexham Council and North Wales Police last summer and urged them to do anything they could to improve road safety outside Pontfadog school and throughout the wider community, including Dolywern.

Safety vans were immediately deployed in the area, and have since been seen regularly.

Mr Skates has repeatedly pushed for further action, and this week received a response from Wrexham Council containing some welcome news.

He said: “I’m delighted that the council has now confirmed that the village of Pontfadog will be made a 20mph zone – it’s been a long time coming. I’m also pleased that the Welsh Government will fund interactive signs along the main road warning drivers about their speed.

“Residents have had to put up with these problems for far too long, so I sincerely hope this is a turning point. I would urge people to continue reporting speeding, however, as I will be more than happy to write to North Wales Police to ask that safety vans are deployed again.”

In an email to Mr Skates, Lawrence Isted, head of environment and planning at Wrexham Council, said: “I refer to your recent enquiry and previous correspondence in relation to the concerns you raise regarding the speed of traffic along B4500 as it passes through Pontfadog.

“The authority promoted the introduction of a 20mph speed limit through Pontfadog, as part of our speed limit review on all A and B roads within the county borough. I’m now able to inform you that the consultation in relation to this proposal was successful an d an order will now be placed to implement that 20mph limit within Pontfadog.

“In addition, the authority successfully bid for funding from the Welsh Government to introduce interactive signs in Pontfadog, in conjunction with our 20mph zones outside schools programme. These signs, when installed, will raise drivers’ awareness within the 20mph zone and ensure speeds are kept to a suitable level at this location.”