Residents’ plea for fencing as horse is killed on rural road
CONCERNED residents have renewed calls to improve protection of roads from animals after a horse was struck by a car.
Bernard Tiltman, of Coity, Bridgend, said a horse was recently killed by a car crossing Coity Wallia Common near Coity.
Mr Tiltman said animals are often killed on the Heol Spencer and Heol Las because the roads are unprotected from animals and speed restrictions are insufficient.
The 70-year-old also said animals had been seen attempting to jump a barrier on a bridge that takes Heol Spencer over the M4.
Bridgend Council says it is currently consulting on a potential speed reduction over the bridge, while the Welsh Government said work to extend the bridge’s parapets is scheduled to commence early next year.
Mr Tiltman said a large horse was recently killed by a car crossing Coity Wallia Common.
“Sadly, this is a regular occurrence due to the many vehicles which use Heol Spencer and Heol Las and unprotected animals on the roads,” he said.
“Apart from the unnecessary death of the animal, it is only a matter of time before people in a car are killed or seriously injured in an accident.
“A large adult horse can weigh a tonne.”
Mr Tiltman said residents have also seen startled animals attempt to jump the bridge parapet on Heol Spencer, near the M4 motorway.
“The bridge parapet is only one metre high and panicked animals have been seen trying to jump the parapet, which would take them directly into the motorway carriageway below,” he said.
“The consequence to the animal would be death, but the consequence to the traffic – you can imagine the potential chaos that could cause.”
Mr Tiltman said Coity Commoners Association, Coity Wallia Conservators and local residents have been pressing for action from the Welsh Government and Bridgend County Borough Council.
A Welsh Government spokeswoman said: “We are looking to start work on the parapets of the M4 Bridge (Heol Spencer) within this financial year. A specific traffic order is required for the project, and we are working with Bridgend County Council to complete this as soon as possible.
“Subject to the traffic order outcome, work is programmed to begin in the spring of 2019.”
A Bridgend Council spokesman said: “The bridge that carries Heol Spencer over the M4 is maintained by Welsh Gov- ernment. At their request, the council is currently consulting over a potential traffic order that would result in a reduction of the speed limit over the bridge.
“The council has no powers under UK law to fence off or otherwise prevent animals from roaming across common land.
“We have erected various signs to advise drivers and urge them to exercise caution, and livestock grids are in place at key locations to prevent animals from straying further than the edge of the common land.”