Back in May, a temporary speed limit of 40mph was intruded on the A55, Abergwyngregyn to Tai’r Meibion, along both directions of the carriageway. This reduced speed limit is there to protect both motorists and the workforce who will be working close to live traffic.
Deputy Minister for Climate Change, and the minister responsible for transport, Lee Waters said at the time:
“We would encourage all road users to play their part in keeping to the temporary speed limit for the duration of the roadworks. This will help to ensure the safety of the travelling public and the workforce. This work is vital to improve safety and protect against flooding on an original stretch of the A55, and every effort is being made to minimise disruption as much as possible including maintaining four lanes of traffic during the daytime."
Unfortunately, between the 14th May and 25th August, 2021 we have recorded over 6,000 vehicles exceeding the speed limit, putting their own safety and the safety of those around them at risk.
Speeds as high as 76mph and even 86mph, more than double the speed limit, have been recorded, which dramatically increases the risk to the safety of all who work and travel on this road.
Superintendent Jane Banham, North Wales Police said:
“Drivers who speed through roadwork areas are putting the safety of road workers and other road users at risk.
All it takes is for a vehicle travelling at high speed, or a worker to slip, and we could be talking about someone being seriously injured or even killed.
Speed limits are there for a reason and should be obeyed. If you are travelling through the roadworks on the A55 please make sure that you drive responsibly and with full consideration for the safety of everyone. Those who choose to ignore the speed limits can expect to be prosecuted for their actions.”
The temporary 40mph speed limit will continue to be monitored and enforced by the average speed cameras and any offences recorded will be processed by the GoSafe team in North Wales Police.
Teresa Ciano, GoSafe Partnership Manager said:
“GoSafe are happy to support the Welsh Government in keeping road workers and users safe on the A55 roadworks. We encourage people to slow down, obey the speed limit and complete their journey safely.”