Editor,

I write regarding the A487 between Waunfawr, Aberystwyth, and the turning to Penrhyncoch. We all know that there have been numerous accidents at this section of road, some resulting in death, including one in which Ceredigion councillor Paul James died, but it looks as if nothing is being done. Site meetings and reports are no good if action doesn’t follow.

There should be interim action taken whilst the Welsh Government looks at the overall picture.

A speed limit of 40mph should be extended from the top of Penglais and to the turning for Penrhyncoch, plus road markings ‘40’.

I must ask how long does it take to do a speed limit and road markings? Even temporary ones would help, then my granddaughter Ellie may not have died on 17 November.

The authorities say there is nothing wrong with the road, but if I can give an analogy. If a property was broken into several times, do we say there is nothing wrong with the property and do nothing? Or do we fit alarms to deter intruders? So what is wrong with extending the speed limit to mitigate the problem?

It is the Welsh Government highway authority that is responsible for all the trunk roads in Wales (i.e. all motorways and A-roads) and is responsible for the speed limits and maintenance of those roads.

This maintenance is carried out on behalf of the Welsh Government by three trunk road agencies – one each for north, mid and south Wales – which act in partnership with local authorities within their area. It is responsible for the management of traffic on all Welsh trunk roads, and has powers under the Road Traffic Acts to set speed limits.

If there is any way of mitigating these sort of accidents and save lives then we should do it.

As you are aware there is not just Paul and Ellie, others have lost their lives or been severely injured.

If moving the speed limit saves one life then it is worth it. It seems very odd that in 2018, five roads in Wales had a speed limit and signage introduced to cut down on pollution, but they cannot put a speed limit in to save lives. After interim measure regarding the speed limit are introduced then this section of road should be looked at with the various agencies.

Subjects could include a cycle lane, footpath and better junctions at the Comins Coch and Penrhyncoch turnings and the road surface which can be slippy when wet

Finally, I notice that a gentleman has started a petition to try to get the problem sorted. This can be found on www. change.org/p/ceredigioncountycouncil-safer-roadaberystwythbowstreet-a487. This is very much appreciated.

George Bryan, Gerddi Ffynnon, Aberystwyth.

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