Proposals to extend 30pmh zone on A5 at Capel Curig

Mar 25 2010 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

A NOTORIOUS accident blackspot in the Conwy Valley could see lower speed limits introduced if residents and the police are successful in convincing the Welsh Assembly to impose the change.

Capel Curig Community Council has been working with North Wales Police to tackle traffic speed issues on the A5 road into the village and the A4086 after suffering years of accidents.

The council and police hope to extend the 30mph zone towards Ogwen and past Pinnacle Pursuits outdoor shop.

“With the help of Cllr Liz Roberts and AM Gareth Jones it is hoped the Welsh Assembly will pay us a visit to assess our roads to see if the extended speed restrictions we’ve proposed can be introduced,” explained Capel Curig council clerk Alison Cousins.

“But this is just the start of the process, we have a long way to go before we can safeguard the village and reduce the amount of accidents.

“Only yesterday the wall was hit again.”

CBM Mark Howell-Walmsley said the speed of traffic travelling through Capel Curig towards Bangor was too fast.

He said: “We need the Welsh Assembly to agree that the 30pmh zone must be extended.

“There is already a high volume of traffic accidents on this stretch of road, and we predict this issue will only rise if left as it is.

“The population in Capel Curig rises to the thousands in the summer months so the risk of accidents is even greater and children have to cross the road to get to the play park.”

Resident and owner of St Cruig’s Church B&B Lady Alice Douglas welcomes and supports any traffic calming measures.

She said: “I only hope they can enforce it before it’s too late. That stretch of road is treacherous and I know countless people who have near misses.

“We are located on the bends, which are still 60pmh and I have had numerous people crash into my wall because they just can’t stop in time.

“Thousands of walkers are dropped off by the outdoor shop daily and have to cross the road, it’s perilous.

“Extending the traffic regulations or introducing any kind of speed restriction or traffic calming measure has got to be an improvement and should be actively encouraged.”

Alison Cousins added: “Since the beginning of March we have had at least 10 accidents on this stretch of road, a lot of walls have been damaged.

“It’s an accident blackspot for motorists and we see the only option is extending the speed restrictions.”