THE speed limit at a village accident blackspot is set to be cut to 30mph after councillors and police agreed to back the move.

A five-car pile-up happened on the A48 in Pwllmeyric near Chepstow last February, and a teenage girl passenger was left critically ill after a 2010 crash on the same stretch which also left the driver seriously hurt.

Residents said they were “taking their lives in their hands” when turning onto the road because of speeding cars, prompting prospective county council candidate Louise Brown to launch a petition calling for a reduction in speed from 40mph, which attracted more than 140 signatures.

Now Monmouthshire County Council and Gwent Police have agreed to back the proposal to cut the speed limit to 30mph on Pwllmeyric Hill, which is likely to be introduced this autumn. 

Cllr Brown (Con), who has since been elected Shirenewton ward member, said when launching her petition: “There was a nasty accident there just recently, involving a number of vehicles and we don’t want any more.

“Residents tell me they no longer feel safe crossing the road – even to go to the post box. Children have to cross to get the school bus to Chepstow Comprehensive.”

Cllr Bryan Jones, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for highways, said: “Speeding traffic and road safety in Pwllmeyric have been longstanding issues within the community and both the council and Gwent Police believe that a 30mph limit will go a long way to addressing these concerns, as well as making for a safer road environment. 

“The new order for a 30mph limit is intended to be introduced with only minimal changes to signage to meet legal requirements. 

“However, we will also monitor the situation and may need to revisit the site to consider further measures such as traffic calming.”

In addition to the proposed restriction of 30mph, the council and police intend to monitor the stretch to determine whether further steps may be necessary to ensure motorists observe the limit.

There will be a consultation period before any changes are made, and meanwhile Pwllmeyric villagers interested in volunteering for a community speed watch group should ring the council on 01633 644644 or email [email protected]