Local Plaid Cymru AM for Ceredigion, Elin Jones, has described a meeting with a senior officer of the Trunk Roads Agency as a positive step in the campaign to improve safety for children at the junction outside Llanarth primary school.

The local Assembly Member took up the issue with the Transport Minister last month after concerns were raised by parents and local residents, resulting in a Trunk Roads Agency representative being sent to view the site and listen to people’s views.

Elin Jones, Ceredigion’s Plaid Cymru AM, said,

“There have been a number of incidents and near misses outside the school in Llanarth. Parents of children at the school and other local residents have real concerns over the volume and speed of traffic, and it speaks volumes that several crossing guards have left their job there over the last 2 years.

“I welcome the Transport Minister’s decision to send a senior officer to view the problem for himself. It was obvious that he was struck by the potential dangers at the crossroads in the village, and by the volume of traffic on the A487. I’m glad that he had the opportunity to listen to the experiences of local parents.”

Local County Councillor for Llanarth ward, Bryan Davies, said,

“We discussed a range of options with the Trunk Roads officer, including lowering the speed limit. It seems odd that the limit is 40mph at Llanarth, whereas in many other villages along the A487 – including ones where there isn’t a school right at the side of the road – it’s 30. The traffic is exceptionally busy here. I look forward to hearing the officer’s conclusions within the next few weeks so that we can continue to make progress.”

Campaigns for road safety outside schools have been further boosted this week with an announcement by the Transport Minister of a review of safety of access to all schools on the trunk road network and priority funding to address concerns.

Ceredigion AM Elin Jones said:

“I’m encouraged by this step forward. It’s important that we get this right, and address the valid concerns that parents have in places such as Llanarth.”