Calls for finding of study into congestion to be shared with councillors

Local representatives need to be kept up to date with the findings of a study intended to ease congestion on a major roundabout. 

That’s according to a senior councillor responsible the economy, including transport, in Monmouthshire. 

The Highbeech Roundabout on the edge of Chepstow is blighted by long delays at rush hour and other periods and forms part of the trunk road network managed by the Welsh Government. 

It has commissioned studies to try and find solutions to ease pressures on the roundabout which are ongoing and Cllr Paul Grffiths said it is important local groups and councillors are aware of the recommendations. 

The Labour-led council’s cabinet member, who represents the Chepstow Castle and Larkfield ward, was answering a question from Shirenewton Conservative member, Louise Brown, who said she was concerned local councillors haven’t been involved but organisations such as sustainable transport campaigners Transition Chepstow are. 

Cllr Griffiths said: “The study is primarily regarded as a professional process and I’ve needed some sharp elbows to get myself around the table. We must ensure residents groups, such as Transition Chepstow, and local members are made fully aware of the analysis and conclussions as they emerge and I intend to achieve that.” 

Cllr Brown had told the council’s January meeting: “Local residents report to me to get to Bristol they have to leave at 6am to avoid the roundabout queues at 7.15am when Bristol is only 30 minutes when there is no traffic. It also impacts local journeys as the congestion is not just at peak times.”