Campaign Action for Road Safety (C.A.R.S.) - Trecastle, Llywell, Sennybridge
Introduction - Campaign Action for Road Safety (C.A.R.S.)
There is a call locally for some positive action regarding the speed and safety of the small percentage of traffic that pass through the Sennybridge, Trecastle and Crai, Libanus, Llanspyddid areas with special reference to A40, A470.
The action group are keen to work with the Dyfed-Powys Police and Powys Council in the reduction of death and injury on our public highways. We would also like to be able to influence drivers of vehicles, especially bikes to appreciate the concerns and worries of other highway users. We would like the small percentage of those who like speed to consider reducing their speed through rural areas, where road conditions are not always favourable for high or extremely high speeds.
Cllr. Dave Howells represented Trecastle Community on the 3rd of February 2014 in a meeting with Edwina Hart M.B.E., A.M. and Kirsty Williams C.B.E.,A.M. at The Welsh Assemby in Cardiff with other representatives from Sennybridge, Dr David Rees and Mr Wyn Price of Defynnog.
We started our case by expressing our concerns about the speed of a small percentage of traffic, cars, motorbikes, and lorries and also the deaths and injuries when crashes occur. We are all saddened by the hard facts. but we remained steadfast in our quest to do something about the anti-social road behaviour and speed that we have all witnessed, particularly during good weather. Kirsty supported all our proposals because she has witnessed our concerns first hand, and has supported our demand for a reduction in speed through Trecastle from 40 M.P.H. to 30 M.P.H., AND MORE Police presence to deter speeding and anti-social driving, stiffer penalties for those bikers exceeding 100 m.p.h. and a possibility of improved signage to encourage speed reduction and the possibility of a pelican crossing for children when they are getting on and off buses at the beginning and end of their school days. Dave had emphasised that although the school was now closed, it still was a fully functioning community building and was likely to be used more often in the near future. It was possibly busier now than it was as a school, due to the fact that the building is a community asset and it has to be financially managed by activities and groups using the facility. There are requirements for increasing it`s use as a Youth Centre and Adult classes in the community, as well as all the existing clubs and societies that use it, including Y.F.C. which has membership exceeding 60 children. Edwina listened well and was pro-actively responding to our concerns, and Kirsty backed up the demands too. Discussion encompassed
the speed limits,..and those who choose to break those limits,
Police presence and catching those who use the road like a racetrack and providing a deterrent for those who use the A40 for 120+ m.p.h. It is irresponsible driving.
The narrowness of Trecastle thoroughfare
The amount of children in Trecastle which is increasing considerably
The pick up and drop off points of the children going to school to Sennybridge and Brecon High Schools.
This was recognised as a safety priority issue by Edwina !!!
Parked vehicles along the Trecastle thoroughfare
Deisel Fuel spillage at the Eastern end of the village on the incline towards Pendre [possibly from M.O.D. vehicles being over filled at S.E.N.T.A.]
The speed of M.O.D. vehicles through the village.
The A40 and surrounding roads used as a racetrack for bikes [Dave Howells had witnessed a motorcyclist while in conversation with a Plain Police Volvo traffic policeman at Llywel in August after being radar gunned doing in excess of 122 m.p.h. He could not be caught and got away with it!!]
Ordinary people, pedestrians included cannot gauge how quick a bike will arrive if it is travelling in excess of 100 m.p.h.
The severity and increase in crashes has become a concern for all local people.
Local people would prefer not to see the aftermath of a messy fatality outside their homes. It will affect them forever.
The strange mix of drivers on our highway at present...timid drivers, quick drivers and those who drive extremely quickly.
Catching those who blatantly travel at speeds way above the set speed limits.
Affecting the Powys Council road user targets which prioritise a reduction in death and injury.
Edwina has a fair knowledge of our local roads, she emphasised that she uses our local roads regularly and understands our concerns. She welcomed our suggestions and passionate concerns for all. She recognises the community and has promised to do something with our proposals. She knows that the big changes in Penderyn has had a positive effect and intends to do something for our communities, especially Trecastle.
We will wait and see if Edwina honours her promises to those in the meeting, and in particular to Trecastle. We will wait and see.!!
There will be another public meeting soon in Maescar, Sennybridge. You will be informed about this as soon as possible.
