LORRIES could be banned from using one of the main crossing points between the Forest and south Wales as the Welsh Government looks at ways of alleviating congestion.

A ban on lorries using the Wye Bridge on the A48 at Chepstow – or the introduction of a toll – is among the options being looked at by ministers in Cardiff Bay.

The possible ban is one of five options set out in a letter to Monmouth Assembly Member Nick Ramsay from the Welsh transport minister Edwina Hart.

The others options are a new bypass, restricting turning at the Bulwark Corner junction, reviewing the traffic signals on the Station Road junction near Tesco and altering the High Beech roundabout.

"There is an urgent need for engagement between the Welsh Government, county and town councils to try to find both a short and long term solution to the increasing traffic problems in the town.

"The minister is continuing to assess the impact and costs for each of the suggested options and has promised to let me know the outcome of the findings.

"Let's hope it won't be to long before an effective solution is found.

"Traffic congestion in Chepstow has become a very serious issue, causing gridlock and tailbacks through the town centre.

"Whenever there is a breakdown or accident, the Mount Pleasant/Hardwick Hill area suffers chaos, with resulting pollution issues."

There were rush hour queues along the A48 last Thursday morning (July 10) when a lorry had to be moved following a collision.

The collision between the stationary lorry and a car happened at about 2.15am on the link road between the A48 and the M48 but recovery was delayed because police could not find the lorry driver.

The recovery operation began at about 8am – after the driver had been located – which meant the link road was closed for 45 minutes leading to jams.

The car driver sustained minor injuries and did not need hospital treatment.

A Gwent Police spokesman said: "While the collision occurred in the early hours and the car was removed, no action could be taken with the lorry until the key holder was located and the full extent of the damage could be assessed.

"When the key holder returned to the vehicle just before 8am it became apparent the lorry would require recovery.

"This was organised and required the road to be closed. We apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused for motorists."

Another collision between a lorry and a car on the previous day also led to queuing traffic.

The incident happened on Pwllmeyric Hill on the A48 at about 5.15pm on Wednesday, July 9.

The car driver sustained minor injuries and the vehicles were recovered at about 6.15pm.