Councillors face backlash for allegedly urging drivers to bypass a vehicle ban on a town shortcut, raising safety concerns for pedestrians.
Monmouth: So, there’s been some drama with the local councillors. They’re being called out for supposedly encouraging drivers to use a shortcut that’s actually closed off. It’s a bit of a mess.
The council’s highways member, Catrin Maby, is pretty upset about it. She mentioned that since they put the ban in place back in October, drivers have still been zooming down Goldwire Lane, which is meant to be safe for pedestrians.
She’s heard reports of pedestrians feeling intimidated, which is not cool at all. Catrin pointed out that some drivers are ignoring the rules and driving fast, which could really hurt someone. All this just to save a few minutes? It’s not worth it.
Then, there’s Martin Newell, a new Conservative councillor, who asked when they’d consider reopening the lane. He’s got a point, as a local resident even gathered 350 signatures against the closure.
Catrin responded that there have been near misses and that it’s now illegal for cars to use that shortcut. She’s even reached out to the police for help enforcing the ban. It’s all about keeping the vulnerable folks safe.
Martin argued that the ban is pushing residents to break the law, especially when flooding made other routes tricky. Now, drivers have to take a longer way out, which is causing some frustration.
