A TWO week investigation into the speed of vehicles travelling up and down the A490 just outside Guilsfield, will take place after Easter, a council highways officer has said.
The investigation will provide data on whether the speed limit in the area around staggered junctions across the A490 near Harding’s petrol station and garden centre, needs to be reduced.
The intention to do the traffic survey was revealed a meeting of Powys County Council’s Planning committee meeting on Thursday, April 6.
At the meeting councillors discussed a planning application by Paul Harding to demolish a bungalow and change of use of land from residential to retail use at the site which includes a petrol station and convenience store.
Mr Harding wants to build an extension measuring 23.8 metres in length, 9.4 metres in width, 5.3 metres to its tallest point, and create 15 new parking spaces at the site.
Highways safety concerns had led to Powys County Councillor for Guilsfield, Ian Harrison asking for a decision on the application to be made by councillors.
Cllr Harrison said: “At face value this is a very exciting business project and one which I would strongly support if the increased risk to retail customers and road users was properly mitigated.
“In conclusion, I ask that this planning application not be approved until the Powys highways department has reduced the A490 speed limit through this junction.”
Following questions from councillors on road safety, Powys highways department officer Alastair Knox said: “There has been a petition about speed limits there.
“The traffic engineer has traffic counters ready to go out there.
“They have to go out in a neutral period which doesn’t cover the Easter fortnight, so they are set up and ready to go out after April 14.
“They will be on site for two clear weeks collecting data.
“What comes back from those counters will then inform what the speed limit should be.”
Mr Knox explained depending on the evidence from the counters there could be “scope” to reduce speed limit to 50mph or 40mph.
Or the data could show that the speed limit should remain at the current 60mph.
Committee vice-chairman, Cllr Gareth Jones said: “It’s encouraging that this is going ahead to address the concerns of the local member and residents.”
Documents lodged with the application show the “proposed” number of employees would be the equivalent of 10 full time jobs, four full time and 12 part time.
Cllr Peter James said: “Is the application creating new jobs?”
Planning officer, Luke Woosnam said: “This has been clarified and the development could create four part time members of staff.”
All 13 councillors present in the meeting went on to vote in favour of the proposal.
