£500,000 to ease traffic (From Penarth Times)

£500,000 to ease traffic

HOPES of a solution to the chronic traffic congestion in the Penarth area were given a boost this week with news of a half-a-million pound investment.

The Welsh assembly has approved 500,000 in funding for a roundabout at the Merrie Harrier junction - which the Vale Council insists will combine with the new system at the Baron's Court to help ease the current problems.

The money comes as part of a 0.7 million package for transport improvement schemes across the Vale of Glamorgan.

The key project for Penarth and Dinas Powys commuters is the construction of a roundabout at the Merrie Harrier and a Cardiff Road bus lane scheme - but despite funding being agreed, it is not yet clear how the system will operate.

However, it is hoped that the final scheme will ease the congestion faced daily by drivers leaving and entering Llandough, Dinas Powys, and Penarth itself via Redlands Road.

A spokesperson for the Vale Council said: "Highways engineers are currently looking at all the options for the gyratory scheme, which will encompass the existing roads and junctions, and any preferred option will be subject to discussions with relevant parties.

"The Merrie Harrier Gyratory and Cardiff Road Bus Lane will involve the provision of a traffic controlled roundabout at the Merrie Harrier junction on Cardiff Road.

"The scheme will also include the provision of a bus-only lane adjacent to the A4055 Cardiff Road from the Swan bend in Dinas Powys to the improved Merrie Harrier junction.

"The improvements, along with others being undertaken by the Council on Barry Road and at the Barons Court roundabout, will improve journey times for public transport and will significantly improve facilities for pedestrians and cyclists by providing traffic light controlled crossing points on all legs of the junction."

Cllr Lis Burnett said: "It is fantastic news that we are getting support from the Assembly in making progress towards solving our traffic congestion problem.

"It remains to be seen whether we can get it all to link up and actually work."

Penarth AM Lorraine Barrett said: "This major cash boost is an illustration of the Labour Welsh Assembly Government's commitment to the town.