Ice causes road chaos (From Penarth Times)

Ice causes road chaos

WIDESPREAD traffic chaos was caused by thick ice forming on Pen y Turnpike last week.

Now Dinas Powys County Councillors have called for assurance that there will not be a repeat of the jams.

Plaid Cymru Councillor Chris Williams said: "There was gridlock on every road between Barry and Cardiff on Tuesday. We have been advised that water was flowing across the highway. This froze layer upon layer.

"Unfortunately there was a collision that blocked the road. Then the police requested the Vale Council to physically remove the ice before the road could be effectively reopened.

"The Vale also had to create a ditch to drain any fresh water away. We are asking the Highways Department if any additional measures can be put in place to prevent a similar event occurring.

"It is fair to point out that the normal gritting process had taken place. However, the volume of ice appeared to be so great that special measures had to be employed.

"We hope that no-one was injured in the accident but it must have been quite a shock to all concerned. This shows how the slightest event plunges the road system into chaos. Our roads are expected to take too much traffic.

"The Vale needs to be more active in developing decent public transport. The council should ensure that adequate numbers of trains and buses are provided.

"I have recently mailed the Regional Superintendent and the Chief Superintendent of South Wales Police to explore greater safety measures for the roads through Dinas Powys," said Councillor Williams.