The comments came after government officials announced that they were scheduling a public meeting on Thursday 19th July at the Elephant and Castle Hotel at 6pm, to discuss the study into the traffic issues and works to improve traffic flow on the A483 through Newtown.
The report, commissioned by the Welsh Transport Minister, was finally made public in March, after some initial delay. The report found that the initial traffic signal control system was poorly calibrated when it was set up, which lead to significant congestion, increased delays and public complaints. However, it stated that minor junction improvements and signal configuration have improved journey times compared to the former roundabout and that a final minor configuration, which is currently underway, will improve the situation still further.
The report concluded that while the Newtown Bypass will provide significant relief to the road, the current arrangement is the best that can be achieved with the current road layout and that any further capacity improvements, would require third party land or property.
Mr George, whose traffic petition and persistent ministerial lobbying were key factors in triggering the report, believes the meeting will allow officials to see and hear at first hand that despite government intervention, traffic conditions in the town have not improved.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“I think the Minister and his officials have been sadly out of touch with what has been happening regarding the traffic problems in and around the town and with what residents and businesses have had to put up with.
“So it is good news that the Minister has acted on my repeated requests and has tasked his officials to come to Newtown to discuss the key findings of the government’s traffic report with the local community.
“Personally, I was very disappointed with the report and felt it was a whitewash because it bore no truth to the reality of the situation.
“The capacity of the network has certainly not increased and journey times have not improved; you just need to ask commuters using the A483 on a daily basis to tell you that is fact.
“But I want the people of Newtown to have their say on this and quiz officials thoroughly on the contents and rationale of the report.
“That is why I am urging as many people as possible to take this opportunity and come to the Elephant and Castle on 19th July and let the Government know how we really feel about the traffic chaos we’ve all had to suffer.”