First Minister is burying his head in the sand over A40 speed limit - German

3.55.48pm GMT Tue 8th Nov 2005

South East Wales AM Mike German pressed the case for a safer speed limit on the A40 trunk road through Monmouth at First Minister's Question Time today.

Mr German, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats in the Assembly, urged ministers to look again at the long running campaign to drop the speed limit to 40 mph. Local campaigners and residents believe this measure will improve safety on the road.

In the Assembly chamber this afternoon, Mr German said: "There is a 70mph speed limit leading to the only set of traffic lights between Cardiff and Birmingham. There have been serious accidents. Yet your minister refuses to act."

First Minister Rhodri Morgan acknowledged the situation was "an anomaly", but claimed that advice from the police was that dropping the speed limit would make no difference.

Speaking afterwards, Mr German said: "Everyone who uses the A40 through Monmouth knows how notorious that stretch of road is becoming. The government is burying its head in the sand in the face of a strong local campaign. A majority of local residents are in favour of a cut. The Minister must think again, before we see any further incidents on this part of the A40."

Notes:

Lib Dem have long been campaigning to get the speed limit reduced on this dangerous junction.

Cllr. Eileen Goodrich and local campaigners have been urging the government to drop the speed limit to 40 mph since the winter of 2003.