Talks held over one-way farce (From Free Press Series)

Talks held over one-way farce

COUNCILLORS were this week in top level talks to consider what the future should hold for traffic in Chepstow town centre.

Following the suspension of the chaotic initial scheme which saw traffic travelling downhill only through the town centre, a meeting has taken place between the Welsh Assembly Government and Monmouthshire County Council.

Further studies are now being undertaken over the coming weeks to assess whether or not the Tesco junction on the A48 can finally accommodate a one-way system in High Street.

This will involve new traffic counts and video surveys to assess the volume and turning manoeuvres of vehicles using the junction.

The study is due to be completed by the end of the May, with the findings to be reported to the Chepstow High Street Regeneration Working Group for their consideration in June.

A spokesperson for the regeneration group said: "After the first week's introduction of a one-way system through Chepstow High Street, Monmouthshire County Council completed its assessment of traffic management issues arising from the changes to High Street.

"Whilst the County Council had undertaken traffic studies and had made adjustments to the traffic lights at the Priory Road and A48 junction, to accommodate any additional traffic, the traffic problems during the introduction week were not predicted to be so severe as they were."

Cllr Pam Birchall stated: "We assessed the traffic problems and listened to the commuters, retailers and residents and moved back to the two-way system, allowing a traffic management study to be undertaken by the Welsh Assembly on the A48. When this study is complete, we can re-assess the situation"

Cllr Cliff Meredith, Chairman of the Chepstow Regeneration group added: "Quite clearly there were problems with the Upper Church Street junction that led to severe traffic congestion and the regeneration group noted that this was unacceptable. I welcome the traffic management study by the Welsh Assembly."

Regeneration Group member and Mayor of Chepstow Cllr Yvonne Havard said: "We are listening and hopefully the study being undertaken on the traffic lights will resolve the problem to mutual satisfaction."