'Buffer speed limits' to be introduced on main road in Denbighshire

Buffer speed limits are short sections of road approaching or leaving a 20mph or 30mph speed limit. <i>(Image: NQ)</i>
Buffer speed limits are short sections of road approaching or leaving a 20mph or 30mph speed limit. (Image: NQ)
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BUFFER speed limits will be introduced on a main road in Denbighshire which has seen a number of fatalities in recent years.

Two sections of the A494 in Denbighshire will see the implementation of buffer speed zones which will help the transition from 60mph to 20mph along the road.

Welsh Government have announced that buffer speed limits are being proposed to the west side of the 20mph limit on the A494 at Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, and for either side of the 20mph limit on the A494 at Ruthin.

Buffer speed limits are short sections of road approaching or leaving a 20mph or 30mph speed limit, which help drivers slow down more gradually.

Clwyd West MS Darren Millar welcomed the proposed speed zones, with the A494 having seen "a number of fatalities over the years".

He said: " I was extremely pleased to see these two sections of the A494 included in the list following a review of 20mph speed limits.

“Having to quickly reduce your speed from 60mph to 20mph can be dangerous, so having buffer speed limits at these sections will make the road far safer.

“The proposals could result in a short 40mph section being added between the 60mph and 20mph to ensure a more gradual reduction in speed.

“Sadly we have seen a number of fatalities on the A494 over the years, which is why I have repeatedly called for the speed limit to be reduced.

“These proposals are therefore very much welcomed, however I am disappointed that there will be no changes on A494 Gwyddelwern as this is also a dangerous stretch.

“I will continue putting pressure on the Cabinet Secretary for Transport for this section of the A494 to also benefit from safety measures.

“We must do all we can to prevent any further fatalities on the A494.”

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