Mayor's concern over traffic chaos (From Free Press Series)

Mayor's concern over traffic chaos

THE new Mayor of Chepstow is to hold talks with the general manager of the Severn Bridge following more local traffic chaos yesterday.

Both the Severn Bridge and the Second Severn Crossing were closed to traffic on Tuesday after a serious road traffic accident near the junction of the M4 and M48 in South Gloucestershire, causing mass tailbacks and gridlock at the Chepstow junction to the Severn Bridge.

Mayor, Cllr Phil Hobson, said: "I have spoken with the general manager of the Severn Crossings this morning (Tuesday) to ask why there was no advance warning to residents going to work in Bristol form Chepstow and why there was a lack of information."

"It is clear that we need to build up or communication between Chepstow residents and bridges users and the operators. The conversation was positive with a several ideas emerging of what can be done to provide a earlier warnings of closures and clear, precise information."

"Both I the operators agree that it was not necessary to close the Severn Bridge completely. People should have been allowed to cross the bridge and make their to work via a number of routes into Bristol."

"I am also in contact with the Chief Constable of Avon and Somerset Police to seek a meeting to take forward requests that in future they take to into account the effect their closure decisions have on Chepstow residents and commuters", said Cllr Hobson.

Town Councillor Jane Robbins, one of those stranded at the Bridge added: "The result all this poor communication was that people were left stranded at the Newhouse Farm roundabout sitting on the grass verges wondering would they actually get to work that day."