Safe Speed Forums

Vale Council commissions £50,000 Docks Link Road survey
12:40pm Friday 7th May 2010

THE Vale Council has commissioned a further survey looking into road safety options on the Barry Dock Link Road - this time costing £50,000.

The survey, agreed by the council’s cabinet last week, is the latest in a number of investigations over recent years, which have suggested a range of major safety measures, although none have as yet been implemented.

Last month the council scrapped plans to install a police observation point and speed camera, saying that a survey showed that speed was 'not an issue' on the site.

A council spokeswoman this week said: "As part of a continuing attempt to resolve local concerns over road safety at the location, Cabinet has agreed the funds towards the progression of feasibility and design work to improve the junctions at Coldbrook Road East and Argae Lane.
"The Cabinet was advised that preliminary options had been considered, including a police observation point, a high resolution surveillance camera to record illegal u-turn manoeuvres, and the deployment of a static or mobile speed camera.
"Unfortunately the construction of a police observation point could not be progressed due to the limitations of the site. Similarly, the siting and future operation of a surveillance camera proved problematic.
"In addition to these preliminary measures, consultants were engaged some time ago to investigate options for highway improvements at the Docks link/Argae Lane/ Coldbrook Road East junctions," she added.
"Numerous traffic signal arrangements and roundabout configurations were considered and assessed.
"It was agreed that a number of these options will now be considered in greater detail and a favoured scheme developed."

Once a scheme has been identified, the council will approach the Welsh Assembly Government and the South East Wales Transport Alliance (Sewta) for funds to progress construction.
But the lack of immediate action will disappoint campaigners, who want to see cash spent straight away on safety measures on the road.

Motorist Jean Healey, a regular user of the road, said: "I hate using the road – the junction is lethal and so many people have died there.
"I heard they were going to do one thing, but then it was something else."

Ward member Cllr Neil Moore is pleased with the commitment of funds from the council.
He said: "I’m pleased that Cabinet has committed the necessary funds to continue to progress this important matter.
"This is one of the most well-used routes in Barry and as a council we must do all we can to ensure that drivers and pedestrians are better protected in future."

Since 2004, official figures show there have been five deaths and 34 injuries on the road.