Traffic-calming plans provoke strong reaction
HOTLY contested plans to introduce a 20mph speed limit and “traffic-calming measures” along a well-used stretch of road are set to be decided upon.
Neath Port Talbot Council will consider the comments and objections received in response to plans to introduce the new measures along the B4434 Dulais Fach Road in Tonna.
Proposed “speed cushion” locations would run from just before the junction at Brunel Close to the section of road ahead of the bridge over the River Neath near the Calor Gas Centre.
There have been a number of comments in favour of the proposals as well as objections, with one resident saying the work would cause “massive disruption to the community”, according to a report from the head of engineering and transport at Neath Port Talbot Council.
The report added that a resident objected to the scheme on the grounds that the traffic-calming measures would supposedly cause “damage to cars’ suspension”.
In response to the claim, council officers state the cushions are “narrow soft rubber cushions 75mm in height” and they “should not cause any issues if vehicles negotiate them at a low speed”.
Officer observations in the report also state the works will be implemented with “due consideration to the needs of the community”.
The report says reducing the speed limit in the area was looked into to improve safety.
It says that visibility for cyclists and pedestrians is poor and “speed cushions are required in the interest of highway safety”.
A consultation was carried out in November and December. A number of parties, including South Wales Police, are in favour of the proposals and residents believe it will help reduce the number of “near misses” reported to have occured along the route.
A recommendation has been put in place for the objections to be overruled and for the scheme to be implemented “as advertised”.
A decision will be made on the next stage of the scheme at the Neath Port Talbot Council streetscene and engineering cabinet board meeting tomorrow.