Transport boost from new road safety plan
SPEED bumps that are too steep for buses to drive over are set to be modernised in a £75,000 makeover which will improve public transport in Porthcawl.
The town council is driving forward a scheme to update the safety measures on New Road which, when it is completed, would allow buses to use the route again after years of diversions.
Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) has awarded £20,000 towards the cost of the scheme, which would make the speed bumps compatible with modern low floor buses.
At the moment, anyone making a bus journey to Porthcawl from Newton or Trecco Bay Holiday Park travels a less direct route through the narrow streets of a nearby housing estate.
Councillor Ceri Reeves, BCBC Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “This scheme will make it possible for buses to use New Road once again, which would provide a massive boost for public transport.
“If buses were to use a route along New Road, it would also make a difference for the 300,000 visitors that stay in the Parkdean Holiday Park (Trecco Bay) each year.
“And, as well as improving transport links, there could be a knock-on effect of stimulating more businesses to open up along New Road.
“Although the speed bumps have served a purpose for many years, the time has come for them to be modernised.”
The New Road scheme is one of a number put forward by town and community councils that were approved to receive funding by BCBC cabinet members.
Each of the town and community councils involved have to meet at least 50% of the project costs and the New Road scheme has an estimated total cost of £75,000.