A Pembrokeshire politician remains concerned that recently announced safety measures for the Nash Fingerpost junction don’t go far enough following the most recent fatality.

Confirmation of these measures - which includes ‘signage and road markings’ were announced by Wales’ First Minister following repeated calls by Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Samuel Kurtz in the Welsh Government’s Chamber.

After the recent horrific accident at the junction on May 13 which resulted in the death of motorcyclist, twenty-nine-year-old Ashley Rogers of Kilgetty the people of Pembrokeshire have said 'enough is enough!’ with campaigners calling for urgent alterations to be made at the A477 ‘black spot’ between Milton and Pembroke Dock following the latest tragedy.

In raising the danger of the junction at First Minister’s Questions, Mr Kurtz highlighted the fact that the Welsh Government have been aware of issues for over a decade yet have failed to act.

In response to his questioning, First Minster Mark Drakeford confirmed that the recommendations of the SWTRA report will begin to be implemented this financial year.

Speaking outside the Senedd Chamber, Mr Kurtz said: “The Nash Fingerpost junction safety risk is well documented and the recent tragic death highlights once more that the Welsh Government needs to act.

“The improvements mentioned by the First Minister in answering my question, I don’t think, go far enough to address the serious risk presented by the current junction layout.

“For over a decade these safety concerns have been known by the Welsh Government. I’m committed to making sure another ten years don’t pass by without this Labour Government pulling its finger out and doing the necessary improvements to make this junction safe,” he added.

Members of the public have been urged to sign a petition (which has been signed so far by over 7,000 people) to see that changes are made to the accident ‘black spot’ on the busy stretch of Pembrokeshire road, with Elliott Morrison a friend of the late Mr Rogers, starting a Petition to be sent to the Senedd to try to get them to alter the junction to incorporate a roundabout or traffic lights so that hopefully no more lives will be lost following three fatalities to date; whilst also cutting down the amount of accidents that happen at this dreadful junction.

Family and friends are determined to achieve the 10,000 signatures that are required to try to force the Senedd and the Highways Authorities to reconsider the layout of this junction.

“Since staring the petition we have heard about so many accidents and near misses - a local man was involved in a collision there - he took 12 months to learn to walk again and it was 5 years before he could walk unaided!” said Yvette Weblin-Grimsley who is a friend of the family of the late Ashley.

In the meantime, Yvette has been in talks with the Dyfed-Powys Road Safety Officer for Wales to try to get them to put up yellow ‘THINK BIKE’ signs at the spot.

Yvette said: “Whilst travelling back from holiday to attend Ashley's funeral my husband and I drove through North Wales and mid Wales where there are bright yellow ‘THINK BIKE’ signs everywhere at tricky road junctions and on Main Roads.

“In the whole of South Pembrokeshire we know of one sign on the Fishguard Road - yet after three fatalities at this junction we still cannot get anyone to agree to put one up!

“This of course would probably only be a temporary measure until hopefully the junction is altered, but this junction has been dangerous ever since it was made so let us hope signs will help for the time being,” continued Yvette, who also pointed out that the junction’s current signage stating ‘Dual Carriageway Ahead’ is confusing, as there is no dual carriageway.

“There are two of these signs one each side of this junction - but is not a dual carriageway ahead, which shows the confusion it causes as two lots of friends have experienced cars driving towards them at night time on their side of the carriageway when they have been driving home from Pembroke Dock - just missing a head on!” she continued.

“The most important thing is for the people of Pembrokeshire to stick together on this one and please please sign the petition. In a little over two weeks we have more than 3,500 signatures - but we need over 10,000 signatures before the Welsh Senedd take us seriously - so please add your name to prevent anymore tragedies.

“This latest incident has a profound effect on all parties concerned - too tragic for words. Something should have been done after the first fatality!

“Ashley was due to be married in two weeks and as well as leaving behind his loving family he leaves behind his fiancee and their 18 month old son.

“Please sign - help save lives and prevent anymore accidents and serious injuries,” she added.

You can sign the petition here: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245451