A WELSH government minister looks set to refuse a plea by school students to reduce the speed limit on a busy bridge.

Sixth formers at Wyedean School in Sedbury collected more than 1,000 signatures on a petition urging the government to reduce the speed limit on the A48 across the Wye Bridge.

They want to see the 30mph speed limit at either end of the bridge extended to cover the crossing itself where there is a 50mph limit.

Around 300 Wyedean pupils walk across the bridge every day and students have described the fast-moving traffic as "frightening".

Earlier this year pupils were joined by Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay and Chepstow town councillors to present the petition to members of the Welsh Assembly's petitions committee.

Transport Minister Edwina Hart recommended that the request for a reduction in the speed limit be refused.

A letter from the petitions committee stated: "The speed limit review has now been undertaken and it considered pedestrian usage, accidents and any change in residential development.

"It has recommended the current speed limit on the bridge is retained, which Gwent Police support."

But Mr Ramsay said Mrs Hart should reconsider the pupils' request.

He said: "This petition, which I fully support, has come from the young people themselves who cross the bridge daily on their walk to and from Wyedean School and are all too aware of the dangers of fast travelling traffic.

"There is no pavement on the other side of the road and consequently pedestrians are moving in both directions trying to pass each other with traffic moving past at 50mph. "Children walking to school are unable to see vehicles, including heavy lorries and buses, coming up behind them up. They feel their safety is being put in jeopardy and I have been impressed by how hard they have campaigned to get the speed limit on this busy stretch of road reduced. 

"I am urging the Minister to take a fresh look at this petition. I hope that common sense will prevail and the existing 30mph limit will be extended for the requested 335 metres to protect pedestrians and especially school pupils on their main route to school."