A PETITION has been launched against a plan to introduce an overtaking lane on the Llanidloes by-pass that has left residents “outraged”, as ministers look again at the mooted scheme as part of a wide-reaching roads review.

A consultation on a £5.1m proposal to build an overtaking lane, exiting the existing Llangurig roundabout in the northbound direction along the A470 towards Llanidloes ended in April, but no decision has been made on the plans after the Welsh Government called a halt to all road building projects earlier this year to launch a review over how the schemes impact climate change.

Mutli-million pound schemes for the A487 at Llanrhystud and Aberarth in Ceredigion were also put on hold as part of the review.

Powys Liberal Democrats launched a petition last week aimed at stopping proposals by the Welsh Government to introduce an overtaking lane after the Llanidloes roundabout towards Llandinam.

The proposals, they said, “have been met with overwhelming opposition from local residents” with concerns over safety and over potential disturbances for the residents of Hafren Terrace among the major reasons for opposition.

While the proposal is currently included in the Welsh Government’s road-building review, Powys Liberal Democrats are campaigning for the “proposals to be thrown out altogether and as soon as possible.”

The petition is supported by the long-serving councillor for Llanidloes Gareth Morgan and regional Senedd Member Jane Dodds.

The group hopes to reach 500 signatures before presenting the petition to Deputy Climate Change Lee Waters, who also holds responsibility for road projects.

Cllr Morgan said: “The whole community is against this scheme because it is a complete misconception to bash a road alongside the rear of Hafren Terrace followed by an upgrade in front.

“The latter is full of danger and disturbance for the residents of Hafren Terrace and many other citizens who enjoy the safety of that cul-de-sac that provides a safe haven to take young families walking and enjoying the countryside.

Ms Dodds added: “Local residents are rightly outraged over these proposals. I will make sure I use all the influence available to me to make sure these plans are scrapped permanently.

“This petition will help me convey the feeling of public anger to my Labour colleagues in the Welsh Government.”

The long-mooted new Dyfi Bridge is still going ahead along with eight other projects already planned around Wales that will not form part of the ongoing review.

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS said: “Transport generates around 17 per cent of all our emissions, so must play its part if we are to reach our target of net zero emissions by 2050.

“We need to move away from spending money on projects that encourage more people to drive, and redirect this money on maintaining our existing roads and investing in real alternatives.”