GUY Hamilton (April 30) is quite rightly concerned that the major housing developments scheduled for Chepstow under the Local Development Plan do not address the growing traffic problems of the area. Unfortunately there is a long history of short-termism and knee-jerk surrounding the traffic management solutions that have been applied and, of course, you have the still prevailing problem of lack of cross-border strategic thinking.
The major error was not pursuing the option of an additional Wye crossing and bypass via the Beachley peninsula once the Thornwell link road cut had been completed. Subsequently losing that route to new housing only compounded matters. That the perception the yet to be completed SSC would nullify any need for expenditure on improvements to the 'diversionary' route was fatally flawed was obvious to anyone with a modicum of understanding of transport and traffic.
Having turned attention to the A48 'Inner Relief Road' through Chepstow, it was felt expedient to create a pinch point at the Station Road junction, flying in the face of accepted practice that a 'relief' road needs to flow smoothly. The correct solution would have been for a gyratory system (roundabout) embracing much of the Nelson Street car park and keeping a two lane route throughout which joining traffic could flow into and around without negotiating several sets of traffic lights.
Loss of the Nelson Street car parking spaces could have been mitigated by having what the government of that day was strongly urging on tourist towns like Chepstow, viz a park and ride strategy. One based on the Race Course facility and having a frequent, quality bus service into town via Welsh Street would have served commuters, shoppers and tourists alike. Sadly, innovative solutions and public transport in particular never remotely figured on the radar of the erstwhile Gwent County Council.
Current concerns over air quality around Hardwick Hill etc, could be at least partially alleviated by some traffic management measures, albeit ones that will doubtless have the 'nimbys' protesting. Pollution is at its worse when vehicles, particularly heavy ones, are obliged to stop and restart or downgear. Bulwark has an industrial area, not excessive in size but to which commercial vehicles must perforce have access. At present they must all do so via Hardwick Hill and Bulwark Corner being barred from going through Thornwell as it would involve passing a school (shock! horror!). Lifting the local weigh restrictions would diffuse the heavy traffic and it would be barely noticeable not (as will be doubtless claimed) see juggernauts thundering through residential areas at motorway speed with drivers intent on terrorising or running down anyone who gets in their way. LGV drivers are by and large responsible professionals who do not see 'rat runs' in the same way as car drivers: it makes no sense to go from the motorway to the Forest of Dean via Bulwark with a lorry.
The second solution might be to revamp the High Beech roundabout. At present the majority of traffic crosses two or three other entries to reach their exit. A study into the effects of introducing a multiple-mini (or 'magic') roundabout could be undertaken, there is ample room for such and it could help assist in keeping traffic flowing, which is the key.
D J Bubier, Alianore Road, Caldicot.