Road safety petition six weeks before fatal crash
APETITION pleading for safety measures to be introduced along a “danger” road in Trebanos had been made six weeks before a young man and woman lost their lives there.
Residents living in the village had long-running fears over safety along Swansea Road, leading to them campaigning for change, with the petition being signed by hundreds of people.
Their worst nightmares were realised in the early hours of Saturday morning after Jason Thomas, 23, was killed in a crash alongside 18-yearold Naomi Carter.
Naomi’s 11-month-old son, who was in the back seat of the vehicle at the time, suffered non life-threatening injuries and was taken to Morriston Hospital.
Councillor for the area Rebeca Phillips described how the tragedy had rocked the community.
“It’s a massive tragedy and it has hit the village really hard,” she said.
“It is a really sad situation for everyone, especially with a young child being involved as well.
“That road, unfortunately, has been a danger for many, many years and we have got a petition ongoing at the moment.
“It has been an issue raised at Pact meetings since I have been elected.
“Although this is not the time for speculation, I think action needs to be taken on that road now.
“It’s speeding which is the issue, and the only traffic calming measures on that road is a chicane, and residents feel that’s doing more harm than good. They want that to be removed. That’s where the crash took place.
“Instead of slowing down, cars speed up to avoid it and that’s how accidents have happened in the past.”
Neath Port Talbot council had been aware of the petition, Ms Phillips had revealed.
“I have a meeting with them in two weeks time where the petition will be presented and to discuss potential safety measures which can be introduced at Swansea Road,” she said.
“It’s been an issue there as long as I can remember. In recent years people have got more cars which has meant double parking issues.
“There has been a lot of accidents along the bypass road which has seen people using Swansea Road as a result.
“I think speed bumps are an option, we have also had mobile speed cameras along the road in the last couple of months and we are looking at making that a permanent fixture.
“We also need more signage and flashing 30mph signs. The whole situation really needs looking at.
“I would hope this would not happen again but that is fear local residents have and have had for many years.
“It’s so sad it has had to come to this really. We don’t know the circumstances as of yet, it’s just a tragedy.
“It’s really, really sad.”