James Evans MS had opportunity to raise the Active Travel Scheme in Llandrindod Wells in the Senedd this week. Concerns over the design, particularly so of the section between the Autopalace and Grosvenor in Llandrindod Wells, have been raised with James Evans MS since the build phase. The narrowing of the road means that heavy goods vehicles/buses and any large vehicles struggle to pass each, and there have been many occasions where vehicles have had to mount the pavement to avoid a collision or to stop traffic from being gridlocked. This is putting pedestrian safety at risk.
James has raised concerns over the design of the Llandrindod scheme on repeated occasions to date, but there has been ambiguity to date over whether this sits with Welsh Government and their Active Travel Scheme policy, or with Powys County Council for accepting this money and designing/managing the implementation of the scheme. Llandrindod Wells Town Council have raised concerns over the design and implementation of this specific scheme.
In many parts of Wales, Active Travel funding has been used to improve pavements and encourage more residents to walk or cycle on routes, especially to and from schools. There have been concerns raised about the Active Travel paths by disability groups who query whether it is appropriate for disabled, visually impaired people to share pavement space with bikes and scooters which could travel at speeds of up to 20mph.
James Evans MS said:
“The design of the Active Travel Scheme in Llandrindod Wells, from the Autopalace to Grosvenor, in lacking in common sense. Narrowing of the main A483 trunk road is causing traffic chaos and forcing large vehicles to mount the pavement in some circumstances, endangering motorists, pedestrians and cyclists.
“I asked the Cabinet Secretary Ken Skates MS for a review of this specific scheme and ensure that it is safe for pedestrians and motorists. I welcome the Cabinet Secretary’s positive response to undertake a review and learn lessons for future phases. A victory for common sense!”
Ken Skates MS responded to say he has recently met with haulage companies and representative bodies, and the RNIB, where these concerns were raised. The Cabinet Secretary has committed to auditing this particular project before moving forward with future schemes and revise the guidance to protect the most vulnerable on our streets.
