A follow up on highway approach to the new Aldi Store Aberdare after comments on social media
In our previous report on the highway approach to the new Aldi Store and the response from one of the three local councillors for the Aberaman area, the councillor questioned, “Why didn’t you put forth these suggestions during the public notice period?” While the suggestion of a mini roundabout should have been raised during that time, it is ultimately the responsibility of the council. The council not only has an extensive Highways Department with numerous well-paid directors but also utilizes permanent highway consultants, Redstart. This public-private collaboration between Rhondda Cynon Taf and other councils is part of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms, which also designed the controversial A4059 junction in Newtown, Mountain Ash.
However, local government, whether it’s the council or the Welsh Government, often ignores public opinion. For instance, the residents of Cynon Valley prefer to retain wheelie bins, but the council disregards their requests, much like the Welsh Government did with the default 20 MPH speed limit.
The council’s decision not to introduce a mini roundabout at this road junction is reminiscent of their initial mistake at the junction next to Home Bargains. Originally a T-junction, it was converted to a mini roundabout after numerous accidents, highlighting the clear safety advantages. The council’s costly highway consultants I believe made errors in Newtown in Mountain Ash and are about to repeat them on the Aberaman Industrial Estate, likely due to financial constraints and reluctance from Aldi and other traders on the estate to contribute.
The councillor advised a puffin crossing to help encourage walking and cycling. However, expecting people to walk or cycle for shopping, especially mothers with children and heavy bags, is impractical. Most supermarkets are located out of town, making such advice unrealistic.
The Wales Active Travel Act Guidance supports the introduction of mini-roundabouts to reduce accident risks. A mini roundabout at the estate’s road junction would be a safe, three-arm roundabout suitable for cyclists. Consultants usually consider mini roundabouts for:
- Improving existing junction operations
- Accident remedial measures
- Traffic calming schemes
- Access to new developments
Mini roundabouts are relatively inexpensive compared to other junction types, providing economic and safety benefits.
Take the example of Tesco in Aberdare: a roundabout was introduced for safety. The council can spend millions on projects in Pontypridd, but Cynon Valley and the rest of RCT are often neglected.
There are outline planning applications for the land almost opposite the junction with proposals for office, industrial, and warehouse buildings, as well as more residential development. However, the details remain unclear as the planning application numbers yields no results on the council’s planning website.
AberdareOnline: “Why didn’t you put forth these suggestions during the public notice period?
It would’ve provided highway officers with an opportunity to comment on your proposals e.g. a mini-roundabout is advised against by the DMRB when there is a high proportion of HGVs.
By providing a puffin crossing it should encourage more people to use active modes of transportation (walking and cycling) rather than relying on their car.
Whereas they might’ve felt unsafe attempting to cross the road before, without the provision of a formal crossing point.“
