North Wales: Action to improve road safety in Capel Curig

The Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales, Andy Dunbobbin, visited Capel Curig to discuss the issue with the local community council.

The meeting, held at Plas y Brenin on January 20, was attended by various members, including Peter Smith, the clerk to the community council, and councillors Shan Ashton, and Robin Kennedy-Reid.

The council raised their worries about traffic, speeding, and road safety in the village.

They highlighted the A4087 road, a 20mph zone, which has seen the bridge by St Julitta’s Church damaged three times in three years.

Visitors to Plas y Brenin, who use this stretch of road to reach practice climbing areas, also face danger from speeding traffic and the absence of a footpath.

The councillors had previously written to Conwy County Borough Council, suggesting rumble strips be painted on the road to slow down traffic.

They believe these should be at both approaches to the bridge and the section by the entrance to Plas y Brenin.

They also want the 30mph sign at the village entrance from Betws y Coed along A5 to be moved 50 metres towards Betws y Coed.

This would reduce traffic speed sooner, making it safer to turn into the public car park and use the Royal Mail letterbox.

(Image: Supplied) PCC Andy Dunbobbin said: “When the local community council got in touch with me, I was very concerned to hear about the issues they have experienced with drivers locally.

“Road safety is a core part of my plan for fighting crime in North Wales and I am committed to making our highways and public realm safer for all users – pedestrians, passengers, and drivers.

“There is no excuse for disobeying road signs and ignoring the law.”

He pledged to support the council’s suggestions and urged communities to help by setting up their own Community Speedwatch groups.

Peter Smith, clerk to Capel Curig Community Council, added: “We are very grateful to the Police and Crime Commissioner for taking the time and trouble to visit us in Capel Curig.

“We often feel in Capel Curig that we are very remote from the centre of Conwy County and our particular needs often get forgotten about.”

He explained how the A5 trunk road runs through the centre of the community and thousands of visitors come to see the classic view of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon).

He said: “We would also like to thank PCC Andy Dunbobbin for listening to our concerns and contacting the relevant authorities in support of our case.

“We certainly hope his intervention will strengthen our case.”

For more information about setting up a Community Speedwatch group, visit the North Wales Police website.