THE Welsh Government’s transport minister has passed two plans to try and help mitigate traffic problems in Chepstow, the Free Press has learned.

Edwina Hart has given the green light to advance plans to stop right turns onto Hardwick Hill from Bulwark Road and to improve the High Beech roundabout, a Welsh Government spokesman said. Further plans for the works are being undertaken.

But the plans received a mixed reception.

Zoe Crockett, a partner at DC Crockett, which is based on the Bulwark Industrial Estate said: “It won’t affect us much but it is quite a dangerous turning. I think it’s quite a good idea.”

And when asked if he thought the turning plan would solve Chepstow’s traffic problems, the owner of Bulwark-based 4 Oak, Chris Klinkert, said: “Not particularly. I can’t think what it’ll achieve. It is not really that junction that causes congestion. They need to put traffic lights on there but they can’t, in case a lorry breaks down. It’s just an awkward junction.”

Monmouthshire council’s air steering group were told last October that consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff had conducted a survey into traffic in the town. They sent letters to 200 residents and placed advertisements in five local newspapers but received only 30 responses.

In September, Mrs Hart told Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay that officers were looking at five potential options to ease traffic in the town. They were: building a bypass around the town; banning right turns at the Bulwark junction; analysing traffic lights close to the town’s Tesco supermarket; banning lorries driving through the town or introducing a toll; and making changes to the High Beech roundabout.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Following survey work and a public consultation the Transport Minister has given the go-ahead to develop two options, the prohibition of right turn movements at the Bulwark Junction and improvements to the High Beech Roundabout. We will continue to work with the local council and others to improve air quality and safety on the A48 around Chepstow.”

A Monmouthshire council spokesman said the authority welcomed the move.

He said: “The council is encouraged by and supports the proposed actions to improve safety, air quality and traffic flow. Highways officers will shortly meet with Welsh Government engineers to discuss the design of the Bulwark Road junction and High Beech roundabout.

“The council has been working with Welsh Government and local stakeholders as part of the Chepstow Air Quality Plan with the aim of improving air quality and in particular reducing nitrogen dioxide levels along the A48 through Chepstow. We hope that these proposals will have a beneficial impact on air quality.”

But Cllr Armand Watts, who represents Thornwell on Monmouthshire council, said the Welsh Government must note further traffic that can be expected with a 200-home development expected in Sedbury, as well as the potential Mabey Bridge development close to the River Wye.