Editor

Speed data of drivers in Talybont shows the need for immediate improvements.

From letters and articles in recent editions of the Cambrian News, readers will be aware of the great concern that residents of Talybont and the surrounding areas have regarding vehicle speeds on the A487 road.

In 2016 a petition signed by 235 residents was sent to the Welsh minister for economy, transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, requesting improvements within the village such as reducing speed limits, the construction of walking and cycling paths and pedestrian crossings. Unfortunately, we are still awaiting improvements and the Welsh Government does not intend to review the need for speed management measures within Talybont until the financial year 2023/24.

During July and August this year, a group of concerned residents decided to collect data on vehicle speeds in the village. In total, 3,885 vehicles were measured in three different locations. The data demonstrated that coming into the village from the south, 71 per cent of vehicles were speeding, and leaving the village to the south, 89 per cent of vehicles were speeding. On the section of road next to the primary school, 45 per cent of vehicles leaving the village were speeding and 22 per cent entering the village were speeding. The top speed recorded within the 30mph zone was 60mph.

The speed data collected supports resident’s demands for immediate vehicle speed management within the village. Additionally, as there is no footpath in certain areas of the village and there is no one safe place to cross the road, walking and cycling is an unpleasant and dangerous activity.

The recent concern shown by of our local elected representatives to seek improvements is encouraging, but I cannot emphasise enough the importance of swift action in order to avoid unnecessary accidents as well as improving the well-being of residents.

We do not wish to wait several more years for improvements to be undertaken and hope that the Mid and North Wales Trunk Road Agency and other concerned parties will respond with urgency.

Alexis Williams Minafon, Talybont

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