A40 action call as family pays tribute to car-crash victim
A“FUN and loving” grandmother has been named as the person who was killed in a crash on the A40 in Carmarthenshire.
Diane James, who was 55, died at the scene last Thursday after her grey Ford Fiesta collided with a skip lorry in the Rhosmaen area, between Llandeilo and Manordeilo.
Ms James lived in Tycroes, near Ammanford, and her family have paid tribute to her by saying: “Diane was a fun and loving wife, mother and mamgu.
“We are devastated by the loss of such a beautiful person.”
Following the death of Mrs James an MP has written a letter to the Welsh Government calling for action to be taken on safety concerns surrounding the A40.
Jonathan Edwards, the MP for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, also revealed that he has previously written to the Welsh Government, in conjunction with Assembly Member Adam Price, outlining concerns about the stretch of road through Rhosmaen.
“We’ve been calling for extra traffic-calming measures to be put in place in this area for a long time, following complaints from residents,” said Mr Edwards.
“The Welsh Government said that the area did not meet the criteria for additional traffic-calming measures. Following last week’s fatal collision, we have written a new letter, urging this to be looked at again.
“It’s something that needs urgent action. Having a sign with 40 on it is not enough of a deterrent. We need greater protection for motorists and these communities that have trunk roads going through them.”
Two days after the fatal crash in Rhosmaen a man, who has not yet been named by police, died following a collision between his motorcycle and a van on the A40 in Whitemill.
Mr Edwards offered his condolences to the families of both crash victims.
“These are tragic incidents and my thoughts are with the victims’ families and loved ones whose suffering I can only imagine,” he said.
“It is particularly distressing that these two separate incidents took place so quickly after each other and I echo the calls from the police to ask anyone who saw anything to contact them as soon as they can.
“Investigations must and will take place and it is crucial that everything that can be done to make sure this doesn’t ever happen again is done.”
The Welsh Government insists that road safety is a priority and that it will take action to protect road users if necessary, following the conclusion of the ongoing investigations.
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Road safety is a priority for Welsh Government, and while in many respects our roads are safer than ever, every death on our roads is one too many. Our thoughts are with the families of those involved in the recent tragic incidents.
“We now await the outcome of the agent’s investigations and will move quickly to address any issues.”