News

Pembroke Dock: Traffic light system being ‘monitored’ on daily basis

Published

6 years ago

August 29, 2018

THE CABINET SECRETARY for Economy and Transport, Ken Skates AM, has said that traffic lights installed on the Ferry Lane/London Road junction in Pembroke Dock are being ‘monitored’ on a daily basis.

He has made the comments after Simon Hart MP wrote to him expressing concerns about the increased congestion in the area since the traffic lights were switched on several weeks ago.

The Herald has received hundreds of complaints from angry motorists who have claimed that the system has added up to 30 minutes to their daily commute – with traffic queueing back over a mile when the lights were first activated.

Laura-Jayne from Pembroke Dock said: “The last two nights picking my partner up from work at London Road Industrial Estate has been horrendous. I had to turn left out of that junction and then the back roads through Pembroke back into the Dock.”

Another driver, Heidi from Saundersfoot, said she was stuck in a queue on the A477 stretching back more than a mile to Cosheston.

Ken Skates AM said in a letter to Mr Hart: “Thank you for your letter of 6 August regarding the A4139 Ferry Lane and A477 London Road traffic signalisation scheme.

“I am aware of issues regarding localised congestion in this area and recognise that the installation of traffic lights may appear to have added to the problem.

“Our Agents have been instructed to monitor the traffic lights on a daily basis and I can assure you that specialist engineers continue to review the operation and maximise the efficiency of the traffic signals without compromising safety.

“We will make any adjustments as necessary to improve the current situation.”

Previously, Pembrokeshire County Council issued this statement to the MP about the new system: “The Council have supported the installation of the lights to date – the main reasons for this included: to facilitate safe right turn movement from Ferry Lane (by banning the manoeuvre and recognising the junction); and the pedestrian crossing movements at the junction (the simplification of the junction traffic movements by banning right turns from Ferry Lane make the junction safer to cross than otherwise, but more specifically the signalisation of the junction allows for better facilitation of pedestrian & cyclist movements).

“I also understand that the TRA477 had an estimated Annual Average Daily 2 way Flow for 2015 of 18395 vehicles (Department for Transport Census Point 661).

“This was one of the highest traffic flows on any undivided carriageway in Pembrokeshire, and the provision of a signalised junction helps to improve safe turning movements”

Crime

Pembroke Dock resident faces court over dog control breaches

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

PHILIP Murray, 52, of 11 Picton Place, Pembroke Dock, will appear at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Nov 14) to face several charges of breaching a community protection notice. The notice, issued under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, required Murray to control his dogs in response to repeated disturbances.

The charges relate to incidents from May to September 2024, when Murray allegedly failed to comply with the restrictions set out in a notice issued on January 3, 2024. Court documents state that despite multiple warnings, Murray continued to disregard the order, leading to ongoing issues linked to his dogs’ behaviour.

If found guilty, Murray could face a Level 4 fine for each offence. The hearing is scheduled to take place from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in Courtroom 1, presided over by the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire Adult Panel.

The case underscores the role of community protection notices in addressing persistent anti-social behavior.

Crime

Cilgerran driver banned for drug use on Cardigan high street

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

A CILGERRAN motorist appeared before a district judge after driving on Cardigan High Street under the influence of cannabis.

On May 3, police officers on patrol detected a strong smell of cannabis from a Volkswagen Golf driven by Kim Haynes, 40.

A drugs wipe returned a positive result, with subsequent tests showing Haynes had 3.4 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Haynes, of Sun Cottage, Church Street, Cilgerran, pleaded guilty to driving over the specified drug-drive limit. She was fined and ordered to pay a total of £365, including costs and a court surcharge, and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

Crime

Motorist disqualified after cannabis-fuelled traffic collision

Published

2 hours ago

November 13, 2024

Court Reporter

A 21-YEAR-OLD driver has been disqualified after a traffic pile-up on the A40 following cannabis use.

Officers attended Arnold’s Hill, Slebech, on March 29 in response to a multi-vehicle collision involving Kayleigh Taylor, 21, whose Toyota Aygo was on the opposite carriageway.

“There was a smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle, so a drugs wipe was conducted, which returned a positive result,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. Further tests showed Taylor had 7.7 mcg of Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol in her blood, above the legal limit of 2.

Taylor, of Princess Royal Way, Haverfordwest, admitted to driving over the specified drug-drive limit and possessing 266.1 grams of cannabis found in her vehicle.

District Judge Mark Layton sentenced her to a 12-month community order with 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. She was disqualified from driving for 17 months, fined £80, and ordered to pay a £114 court surcharge and £85 costs.