Planning is continuing to determine the most effective areas to place ‘digital speed awareness alert signs’ in the seaside village of Saundersfoot, following the Community Council securing funding from the ‘Enhancing Pembrokeshire’ grant.

Councillors have long received reports concerning vehicles speeding in areas such as The Ridgeway and Sandyhill Road.

“Work has been ongoing to determine where most effective and necessary to site them,” said county councillor for Saundersfoot’s south ward Cllr Chris Williams, who provided an updates on areas considered.

“Decisions on the positioning of the speed awareness cameras will be taken by Saundersfoot Community Council under guidance from Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways department, but I hope that common sense prevails as we are one village, and safety measures shouldn’t be influenced by boundary lines.”

A proposal was made for the B4316, Broadfield Hill - Northbound to target vehicles heading into the village, with a survey identifying that vehicles travelling on average up to 35mph; with traffic heading SW up to New Hedges recording a higher average speed.

“However, that location sits in another ward, but my opinion, if siting a camera here slows down drivers, it shouldn’t matter where the boundary line is,” explained Cllr Williams.

“The welcome to Saundersfoot signs sits a further 500 yards up the road at the top of Broadfield Hill.

“The Ridgeway has been identified as a priority, with a proposal to position a sign Eastbound to target vehicles heading into the village.

“Data has confirmed average speeds of 26mph east along the Ridgeway, below the 30mph limit, which would suggest that a camera is not warranted in this location.

“However, from September 17, the speed limit is proposed to be lowered to 20mph. Could a Driver Feedback Sign displaying a vehicle’s current speed, help vehicles to slow down further and aid the proposed transition?

“A potential site has been identified which has excellent visibility at the top of the Ridgeway. Unfortunately, these cameras are sited in pairs, and either side of the carriageway, so finding a position on the westbound approach has proved more difficult due to narrow footpaths, parking areas and a lack of highway adoption,” continued Cllr Williams who said that he and fellow county councillor for Saundersfoot Cllr Alec Cormack will continue to look at alternatives and keep the discussions live.

On Stammers Road/Sandy Hill Road, Cllr Williams said that on July 2021, a survey near the entrance of Ragged Staff recorded vehicle speed and volume comparable in both directions, with mean average speed between 31mph and 37 mph.

“Around 750 vehicles were found to travel in each direction on average per 24hr. The location is suitable for siting DFSs on both approaches.

“A further survey on Sandyhill Road during the first two weeks of July 2022 did not support the need for DFSs, with a decision to be made by Saundersfoot Community Council,” he commented.

“On the B4316, approach to Whitlow entrance from St. Issells, there isn’t a suitable verge within the current 30mph limit area. Until verges are widened or a footpath installed, it wouldn’t be possible to install a post 450 mm back from the carriageway,” added Cllr Williams.