A NEW traffic calming scheme has been praised for helping to improve road safety between Hakin and Hubberston.

The scheme was designed by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Highways Engineering Services team, and funded by a Welsh Government road safety grant.

Improvements between Hubberston and the junction to Liddeston include new carriageway alignment measures with a pedestrian refuge crossing, new road markings and upgraded public transport facilities.

New traffic calming has also been introduced at the Tiers Cross junction and alterations to the shared use path at Upper Neeston.

“The scheme improves on the existing provision for active travel between Hakin and Hubberston which is used by around 10,000 people annually, and I’ve no doubt this number will increase, especially given the planned housing developments for the area,” said Councillor Phil Baker, Cabinet Member for Planning and Infrastructure.

At Herbrandston, a 40mph buffer zone will be introduced on the Dale road approach after a survey showed 70% of vehicles were breaking the speed limit.

There will also be a new traffic calming feature in the village to improve the current pedestrian crossing, which will require minor road adjustments and the construction of a refuge island.

“This will assist in reducing vehicle speeds and improve the local environment for all users and residents,” said Cllr Baker.

The County Councillor for Hubberston, Viv Stoddart, welcomed the improvements.

“I am so pleased that Pembrokeshire County Council and the Welsh Government were able to respond to the concerns of my constituents regarding road safety on this busy stretch of the Dale Road,” she said.

“Over the last two years, parents voiced to me their fears for their children's safety getting to and from school. Persimmon Homes' residents said inconsiderate motorists ignoring the existing speed limits created dangerous driving conditions for everyone.

“I received positive feedback from the public in praise of the council's contractors Evan Pritchard Ltd.

“I would also like to thank PCC's highways department who oversaw the project, and in particular council officers, Richard Murray, highways technician, and Owen Roberts, passenger transport co-coordinator, who kept me informed through out on the scheme's progress.

“This is a very welcome flagship improvement which will benefit the whole community.”