Llanrwst road campaigner brought on board to help solve traffic problems

Oct 8 2009 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Llanrwst traffic

A ROAD safety campaigner has won a victory in what he calls a “major fight” for road safety measures after being invited onto his local council’s traffic committee.

Llanrwst resident Steve Rollason is so concerned about traffic problems in the Conwy Valley town that he has conducted a number of independent traffic surveys on the historic market town’s narrow streets.

“There have been far too many near misses with large lorries and HGVs trying to negotiate the narrow stretches of road through the town,” explained Steve.

“I appreciate that the Welsh transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones has listened to our traffic issues before, and after the last traffic survey he was even considering some of the solutions that had been suggested to ease traffic congestion and make the roads and pavements safer, but the trail seems to have gone cold since then.

“Meanwhile people in the town are still experiencing near misses when vehicles mount pavements. Parents fear for the safety of their children when walking the route to school along Station Road.”

Llanrwst Town Council members decided to invite Steve onto their parking committee after he spoke at a recent meeting. He hopes to help the council devise a traffic safety strategy.

Committee chair Christine Humphrys is delighted at the prospect of Steve joining them.

She said: “Steve has obviously been investing a lot of personal time researching traffic safety, his input will be invaluable.”

Steve added: “Although I came up with a lot of suggestions for preventative measures in the past I think it’s down to a lack of evidence for the frustrating silence we are now experiencing.

“Next I’m hoping to distribute leaflets to residents asking them to record any near misses experienced in the town so we have actual statistical data to present to the Trunk Road Agency.”

samantha.castle

Warning signs – for traffic to slow down and signs on the A55 to deter heavy vehicles

One-way systems, such as ‘Give way to oncoming traffic’

Road markings and/ or humps

Widening of pavements in danger spots

Barriers on pavements in danger spots

More pedestrian crossings