Councillor's one way idea used in bid to beat diversion congestion

A one way traffic system through Llangollen suggested by a local county councillor was used late last night in a bid to counter the effect of “chaotic” congestion in the town caused by roadworks on the A483 dual carriageway. 

After two nights of diversions through Llangollen sparked by the overnight closures for general repairs and environmental works on the A483 – from 7pm until 6am -  Cllr Melvyn Mile had contacted the North and Mid Wales Traffic Agency to complain that something must be done to avoid the traffic jams this created. 

He suggested a one-way system should be put in place. 

An official of the agency, who had accompanied him last night to observe the situation in Llangollen, put his idea into operation and later reported to him that it had eased the situation. 

In an email to the agency and Denbighshire County Council, sent at just before 10pm last night, Cllr Mile said: “We need to find a different way of dealing with the closure of the A483 and it being diverted through Llangollen until the B5605 [through Newbridge] is fully functional. Whenever that will be, not soon, that’s for sure! 

“Despite the best efforts of Lisa Bilton from the North and Mid Wales Traffic Agency and a DCC operative it’s another evening of absolute chaos on Castle Street, Mill Street and Regent Street. 

“Here’s my solution: Set up traffic lights beyond the Ponsonby on the A539, where the road is wide enough to cater for very large vehicles passing each other. Plus traffic lights on the A5, set back from the junction with Castle Street. 

“Then operate a one way system up or down Castle Street, 5 minutes duration per session or whatever is decided. 

“This should also be operated when Castle Street has been widened after Llangollen 2020. The street is full!”  

At around 10.30pm, Lisa Bilton of the traffic agency emailed back to Cllr Mile to say: “After you left me on Castle Street tonight, we started the one way system you suggested. At 10pm traffic was flowing well in both directions.”  

Cllr Mike responded: “Great news, thanks very much. I hope that this can be put in place by the powers that be as the default method.”

Comment on the story from Llangollen town councillor Stuart Davies ...

"I think it’s a valid concern that the statements from Cllr Mile indicate that currently and in the future he is confirming that Castle Street is too narrow to take sustained volumes of large traffic. 

"Concerns expressed during the  public consultation, that the future carriageway width is too narrow, have been recognised but not acted upon by DCC."