Petition calling for stricter traffic controls at accident hotspot receives backing from AM

Zoe Holland, who works at the Shell garage on the A4042 Pontypool roundabout, set up the petition after growing concerned at the number of accidents which took place on the roundabout.

She said that something needs to be done to make the roundabout safe for both drivers and the people that work at the services.

Miss Holland said: “Somebody had a motorcycle accident on the roundabout, and it was a customer who had come in to the garage.

“It upset me as I had served them a few minutes beforehand.

“We get a lot of lorry drivers come in to the garage, and one of them was talking to me about how difficult it is for them to get out on that roundabout.

“I’m starting to see fewer older people coming in to the garage as they say that they are too scared to use the roundabout."

Concerns have been raised over the number of accidents taking place on the services roundabout on the A4042. Picture: Google Street View.

Miss Holland started with a paper petition at work on March 25, but has since started an online petition as well.

“Between 2pm and 6pm are the busiest times on the roundabout. Also, during morning rush hour and pretty much all weekend.

“I would like to see part time traffic lights installed, so that it doesn’t create too much congestion when it is not as busy.

“I have had people get in touch because they are concerned about congestion, but would you rather wait 10 minutes at traffic lights or be stuck in traffic for hours after an accident?”

The latest incident on the roundabout saw heavy tailbacks following a three car collision during the evening rush hour on Monday.

Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle said that she has discussed the issue with the Welsh Government.

She said: "I remain deeply concerned about the McDonald's roundabout and it’s something I have raised on numerous occasions with Welsh Government.

"In light of recent accidents, I have requested a meeting with Welsh Government and have also tabled a series of questions.

"I am pressing Welsh Government to publish the result of its own investigation into the roundabout and will be pushing for urgent improvements to be made."

Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle has raised concerns over the number of accidents at the roundabout.

Last week, Ms Neagle questioned the Minister for Economy and Transport Ken Skates about the issue in the Assembly.

She asked: "What assessment has the Minister made of the number of accidents on the A4042 McDonald’s roundabout in Pontypool?"

Mr Skates replied: "Through our National Congestion Pinch Points Programme, we have completed a Stage One investigation of the roundabout using Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTAG). Officials are now progressing with WelTAG Stage Two to identify solutions and possible improvements.

"We are also working closely with Torfaen County Borough Council and the businesses adjoining the roundabout, as we only have responsibility for the A4042 arms and the roundabout itself."