Opposition to new traffic lights plan ‘unanimous’
RESIDENTS of Capel Isaf Road in Llanelli were unanimous in voicing their opposition to the installation of new traffic lights at a public meeting.
Llanelli Welsh Assembly Member Lee Waters and Llanelli MP Nia Griffith called a public meeting after receiving complaints about a huge increase in congestion following the installation of temporary lights.
Permanent lights are due to be installed next month following the completion of 29 new homes on land adjoining Capel Isaf Road. Carmarthenshire Council will install a new four-way light system on the junction of Capel Isaf and Capel roads, a junction which is currently controlled by a mini roundabout.
At the meeting, residents called on the council for a pause in the rollout of the new lights to see how the road copes with traffic from the new houses.
Mr Waters and Ms Griffith will be working with local councillors Rob James and Rob Evans to put pressure on the council to listen to residents.
Mr Waters said: “The council need to listen to local opinion.
“It’s just not good enough to say ‘that ship has sailed’ in response to practical suggestions, like a representative of the council did on Friday.
“The strength of feeling and opposition to these lights is clear.
“We can’t let a build-up of congestion and pollution harm people’s health in this area.”
Significant congestion caused by temporary lights has led to fears that the area will see a repeat of the problems caused by traffic lights on Sandy Road once the proposed work is complete.
Sandy Road has seen a huge build-up of traffic and congestion and the AM and MP have been at the centre of calls for changes there.
Ms Griffith said: “It is crazy to say that there cannot be any change to the plans going forward.
“One positive suggestion was to use the lights as pedestrian controlled, so that pedestrians could cross the road safely, but the lights would only come on when used by pedestrians – and so not cause the intolerable build-up of traffic outside residents’ front doors and the frustration to drivers of long tailbacks.”
A spokesman for Carmarthenshire Council’s press office suggssted we speak to councillor Hazel Evans, executive board member for environment, as it was “largely a political enquiry”.
Mrs Evans was asked to comment but had not responsed at the time of going to press.