Changes are being implemented on the A477 in west Wales, but one politician is saying further action is needed on what has been described as a speeding hotspot
The A477, a main route connecting Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire (Image: John Myers)
Further calls have been made for action to be taken on a key route in west Wales which includes a “frightening” 90-degree junction where motorists have to join traffic travelling at 70mph.
Last year it was confirmed that work is to be carried out on to improve safety A477 which connects Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. The key route begins in St Clears and stretches west all the way to Pembroke Dock, but there are concerns that more needs to be done.
Commitments from the Welsh Government that changes would be made came after a petition was launched calling for improvements to be made at the Red Roses junction, situated halfway between St Clears and Kilgetty. Stay informed on Carms news by signing up to our newsletter here.
The petition said: “The junction is a 90 degree turn at the bottom of a hill with no slip road. You can take it at no more than 20mph, with trunk road traffic behind you travelling downhill at often 70mph, and no way to move off the main A477. It is frightening.
“Ever since the junction was opened in 2014 local residents have been campaigning to have this junction improved. The signpost has been hit many times.
“Vehicles have gone through crash barriers and ended up in the nearby ditch. There have been multiple collisions reported to the police and many, many more near misses we know about.”
Monitoring of traffic near the junction back in 2021 showed that 57% of vehicles were exceeding the speed limit.
The Welsh Government has confirmed that improvements will be made at the Red Roses junction including the introduction of markings, different road signs, and bollards.
A speed review will also take place on a different stretch of the A477 which runs through the Pembrokeshire village of Milton, between Kilgetty and Pembroke Dock, which currently has a speed limit of 40mph.
Despite action being taken to improve safety, Samuel Kurtz, the MS for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, says more needs to be done.
“The A477 is a lifeline for our communities and local economy but too many sections remain unsafe. Red Roses is a clear example of a junction that may meet technical criteria on paper, yet in practice poses real dangers to motorists.
“These improvements build on the successful work at Nash Fingerpost, which shows that practical changes can make a real difference. But there is more to do particularly at Cosheston and other high-risk points along the route.”
Mr Kurtz is urging residents, commuters, businesses and road users to share their experiences of using the A477, including concerns about speeding, dangerous junctions, poor visibility, or near-misses.
“Community evidence matters,” he added. “Your experiences will help push for stronger, comprehensive safety measures and ensure the Welsh Government acts quickly. Together, we can make the A477 safer.”
Ensure our latest news and sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
