QUESTIONS have been raised over the Vale council's transport priorities after the authority voted in favour of the capital region city deal.

The Dinas Powys Bypass Steering Group have suggested the plans for a metro system which are included in the £1.2 billion deal may be the reason the local authority is not considering a bypass in the village.

On Thursday, February 9, the council agreed to contribute £10.2 million towards the deal which is a contribution of 8.5 per cent towards the total.

The councils will fund the money by borrowing and will be required to pay interest on the treasury's £375 million.

The deal would also see a regional cabinet established, which would vote on ideas put forward by councils.

10 local authorities will be required to make a contribution towards the £120 million of the total £1.2 billion pot over a 20-year period of the deal.

The council also recently announced it would undertake a £15,000 study with the Welsh Government into traffic issues in Dinas Powys.

The council has confirmed that there will be a two stage consultation process beginning early next month on the study.

But members of the bypass steering group highlight that this will only consider ideas based in the emerging local development plan which does not include plans for a bypass.

Rod Harrod is the chairman of the bypass steering group.

He asked why the Vale council are adamant the Dinas Powys By-Pass will not be considered until after 2026?

"Why are they seemingly ignoring all the signs that Vale roads will be gridlocked within a few years?" Mr Harrod said.

"Why, can the council propose building over 10,000 houses in the Vale over the next five years without adequate infrastructure improvements as called for by their own policies?"

He also the £734 million metro system which being planned for south east Wales and called for the Vale to share in the benefits of the project.

Mr Harrod says that, for many, railways stations are too far away and that trains are already packed at busy periods.

He also highlighted the insufficient park and ride provision in Cardiff and the infrequency of bus services.

"Nobody should be against such an ambitious and potentially rewarding project as this.

"But surely, with a contribution of £10.2 million from the Vale, it should be only a part of a composite transport network.

"Part of the sales pitch for the metro is that it should be integrated into other modes of transport."

"The Capital deal is great – providing everyone has equal access."

Cllr Peter King, cabinet member for building services, highways and transportation, said: "As part of a study funded jointly by the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Welsh Government, there will be two consultation sessions in which people can express their views on the transport issues and opportunities in and around Dinas Powys early next month.

"The first will be for selected individuals, including elected members, transport operators and community council representatives, and the second for members of the public.

"Further details on the dates and venues will be released once confirmed."