COLUMN: Road schemes key to our economy

In his latest political column for MyNewtown, Russell George, Members of the Senedd for Montgomeryshire, outlines his concerns over the implementation of the 20mph speed restrictions on roads in residential and built up aeas.

Road schemes key to our Economy

Since I was elected to the Welsh Parliament, I have been campaigning for better transport infrastructure for Montgomeryshire. Good transport connections are key to improving the local economy which is why I actively campaigned for the Newtown bypass and continue to campaign for other important road improvement schemes as well as improving road safety. It is reported that sadly Powys has one of the highest road accident rates leading to someone being killed or seriously injured on our roads per 100,000 population and the reason I continue to call for road safety improvements.

Last week I was pleased to visit and viewed the progress on the construction of the new Dyfi bridge and road scheme at Machynlleth. The old bridge was never designed to carry the current volume of traffic and is often closed due to frequent flooding causing traffic to take a diversion of up to 30 miles. The new Dyfi bridge will improve the reliability of crossing the River Dyfi and will improve access to key services including healthcare, employment opportunities and education for the people of Machynlleth and the surrounding area.

The Minister confirmed to me when I asked for an update in June, that the new bridge and road scheme is due to be completed before the end of the year. 

The campaign for a Pant-Llanymynech bypass remains an important road improvement and safety scheme. Both the UK Government and Welsh Government have given commitments to the Pant/Llanymynech bypass and are working together to progress the scheme. Craig Williams MP and I continue to raise this important scheme.

There are other smaller road schemes proposed to resolve traffic flow and safety concerns including at Moat Lane crossing near Caersws with a proposed roundabout replacing the current junction. Also in Caersws, along with County Councillor Les George and others, I have been promoting a new footbridge over the river.  The current bridge is dangerous for pedestrians crossing. Work to progress this scheme has been slow and has been hampered along with other smaller schemes due to Welsh Government putting a hold on the building of all new schemes subject to their review.

I will continue to call for safety improvements along on the A44 Llangurig to Aberystwyth road which has one of the worst accident records in the UK. Welsh Government have at last recognised the need for improvements due to issues such as road safety, junction efficiency and the overall condition of the road. However, I will continue to work to make sure ministers see this scheme through to the end.

As you read this column, Welsh Governments plan to rollout 20mph speed limits across Wales are underway. I firmly believe reduced speed limits have a place outside schools, playgrounds, high streets, and other busy areas – but not a blanket rollout. In the past, I have tried to persuade the local authority and Welsh Government to lower a 30mph speed limit, to 20mph in areas where there is community support, and the need is evidenced. This often was difficult and unsuccessful, it’s why my view is that this process should have just been made easier, rather than bringing in the blanket legislation. 

The cost to the economy is staggering, with over £30 million being spent on implementing the policy and a long term cost of £4.5 billion to the Welsh economy, is this money being used in the right way? I believe the Welsh Government should focus on better health care, better education and on helping the Welsh economy, not grinding it to a halt.