Following concerns being raised by constituents about the safety of the A5 and A470 junction in Betws-y-Coed, Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, has spoken of how the Welsh Government handling of the situation has been and remains a “car crash”.
Responding to the Welsh Government’s latest update on the situation, Janet said:
“This junction is extremely busy throughout the year as it forms part of one of the principal routes from North to South Wales, North-East to North-West Wales, and North-West England to Snowdonia National Park.
“I have seen first-hand how the junction could easily be a location of a serious accident – with some drivers taking risks and being caught up in the middle of both roads.
“Despite the A5 and A470 being under the care of the Welsh Government, their handling of this major road safety concern has been a car crash.
“Three years ago, a review recommended that the 60mph speed limit be reduced.
“Today, we are still awaiting the change, however, it seems now that it is going to be subject to an investigation and then a consultation.
“This is a real car crash as it is totally unacceptable that the Welsh Government have taken no measures to act on a recommendation made in 2015. Indeed, I believe that they have sat on this, and would have continued to do so had it not been for my prodding of Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport.
“Whilst I am left wondering how many other recommendations the Cabinet Secretary is ignoring, I have requested that the speed limit at the junction is changed during this financial year”.
ENDS
Written Assembly Question by Janet Finch-Saunders AM:
Will the Cabinet Secretary investigate the safety of the A5 and A470 junction near Waterloo Bridge in Betws-y-Coed, and report on the findings?
Response by Ken Skates AM, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport:
The last review of speed limits at this location in 2015 recommended consideration is given to reducing the 60mph speed limit on the section of the A5 south of Waterloo Bridge and extending the existing 30 mph through Betws to the bridge itself. The options are being investigated this financial year and changes to the speed limit will be implemented next financial year subject to consultation. The safety of this location will then be kept under review through subsequent speed limit reviews.
Response by Janet:
Further to WAQ77126, why has the Cabinet Secretary not yet acted on and implemented the recommendations of the report undertaken three years ago, and can the Welsh Government have the speed limits changed during this financial year?
The junction of concern: Photo from Google Maps