The Welsh Government has today confirmed that it will conduct a study into what can be done to improve road safety on the A44 in Mid Wales.
Commenting on this welcome news, Russell George, AM for Montgomeryshire, said:
“I am pleased that the Welsh Government has commissioned a study into improving road safety on this treacherous stretch of road which is one of the most dangerous in Wales.
“The tragic accident which occurred earlier this summer involving a family from Llanidloes, in which only an 18 month-old little girl survived, is the latest in a long line of incidents on this 40 kilometre stretch of road."
In June, Mr George expressed his concern about road safety on the A44 during Ministerial questions and asked the Minister for Transport, Edwina Hart AM, to do more to educate drivers about the hazards of driving on rural roads.
Mr George added:
“I therefore welcome the Minister’s focus on reviewing the speed limits, and making much needed improvements to the existing road, which will go some way in preventing these accidents from occurring in the future.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the way in which the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Christopher Salmon, is approaching this issue through projects such as Operation Darwen which encourages more respectful motoring behaviour from motorists and motorcyclists.
“I would like to join him in encouraging all motorists and motorcyclists to treat this stretch of road with great care especially as the Winter weather sets in."
WRITTEN STATEMENT BY THE WELSH GOVERNMENT
A44 Route Safety Study
20 November 2014
Edwina Hart MBE CStJ AM, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport
This statement provides an update on the A44 Route Safety Study.
Following the tragic accident on this road this summer, I committed to looking at what could be done to improve safety, particularly between Aberystwyth and Llangurig, which is the highest risk single carriageway road on the trunk road network.
The accidents that have occurred on the route are spread over the entire 40km length with a few clustered at specific sites. Changing the alignment of the road would be extremely difficult and costly due to the surrounding terrain. Therefore, we need to focus on improvements to the existing road.
Action has already been taken to address accident cluster sites at Pantybenny bends, Milestone 15 Bends and Cwmbrwyno Bends. Improved road markings, signing and surface treatments have proved effective at these locations. We will continue to monitor the impact of these measures and consider extending them along the whole route.
The study identified additional cluster sites between Sweet Lamb and Six Sycamores and Allt-y-Gwreiddyn. Further site specific collision investigations and prevention studies will now be undertaken at these locations and any subsequent recommendations implemented.
A review of speed limits is currently underway across the whole of the trunk road network, including the A44. The results are due to be published in January. We will adapt our strategy to take into account the outcome and may implement additional measures to improve safety.
As well as engineering improvements, we also need to use enforcement and education measures. We will be working with our partners and stakeholders on campaigns to promote better road user behaviour.
Dyfed Powys Police are committed to assisting us in reducing casualties through the use of targeted operations focussed on high risk groups and locations. Their campaign, Operation Darwen, which includes the A44, has already been highly successful in targeting the anti-social behaviour of some motorcyclists and carrying out general enforcement where necessary. They have stepped up activity in direct response to the number of road traffic collisions this year, with additional initiatives linked to predicted periods of fine weather.
Dyfed Powys Police will also be using radio next year to broadcast their road safety message. They have already been using social media to reinforce the message of dangerous motorcycling.