CALDICOT councillors say the town centre is not safe for people on foot as vehicles are still driving through the pedestrian zone.

They say vehicles are driving illegally on Newport Road on a weekly basis which is the main shopping area in the town and is a pedestrianised zone. Just yesterday the councillors witnessed a car which was delivering to the Wye Valley Studio drive through the pedestrian zone.

Caldicot Town councillors Frank Rowberry and Alan Davies were verbally abused by a delivery driver after they told him it was a pedestrian zone. They have reported the incident to the police.

Cllr Rowberry said: “He gave us loads of abuse and called me a Welsh interbred. It’s things like this that make you think is it worth it? But it is if it stops someone from getting killed."

He said that he also saw a van drive through the centre last Wednesday. Calls for action came after a woman with a pushchair containing a 20-month-old baby was involved in a road collision with a van in August of last year outside Wye Valley Studios on Newport Road.

A permit scheme went live in December to allow access for delivery vehicles for businesses in the pedestrian zone before 10.30am and after 4pm. Businesses voiced their concerns about access for their deliveries vehicles as seven businesses do not have rear access to their premises.

Cllr Alan Davies, member for Castle ward, said he doesn't think the permit scheme is enough to alleviate the problem.

He said: "To be honest I don't think it was going to be successful. We require a barrier but there is the complication whether it is classed as a highway or not.”

Councillors are also concerned with CCTV monitoring of the pedestrian zone.

Cllr Dave Evans, mayor of Caldicot, said: "It is a big issue in Caldicot. The police have been really helpful but they have had cutbacks and can't monitor the area constantly.

"We have to get everybody back around the table - the town council, county councillors, the police and highways."

Paul Keeble, Monmouthshire council’s transport and network manager, said: “Signs have been erected, permits approved and the only vehicles allowed within Caldicot town centre are those with valid permits and those visiting the market which need to be in early and out late - unless accompanied by the market supervisor.

“We will check the operation of the current system with Gwent Police who enforce the permit scheme. If necessary we will review the original proposals.”