Measures continue to be put in place to try and combat speeding between two Pembrokeshire neighbouring villages.

Recently, as part of a new initiative from Saundersfoot Community Council to improve road safety around the seaside village, three new digital speed indicators were installed on The Ridgeway, Stammers Road and Broadfield Road.

With these plans in the pipeline for some time, since the 20mph speed limits came into effect across Wales, County councillor for Saundersfoot’s south ward, Cllr Chris Williams said that the highways team at Pembrokeshire County Council had surveyed several sites around the area and identified locations where the devices were justified based on surveys of vehicle speeds.

Speaking at January’s meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council, Cllr Peter Robinson gave fellow members some feedback on the speed indicators, reporting that the devices were operating as expected, seemed to be in good positions and despite some feedback on Facebook being that they would have no effect, others were pleased.

“They also log data which can be downloaded to justify police intervention and/or requests for traffic calming,” he explained.

The signs were welcomed by many residents who took to social media to praise their introduction.

“That’s great news. If it only slows a few people down it will be helpful,” said one, with another adding: “These are great additions.”

Some pointed out other areas around Saundersfoot that also needed addressing with the introduction of speed calming measures.

“Well done. How about having lights by the railway bridge. People come airing down from the roundabout and fail to slow down at the bridge. I've had many a near miss when going out,” stated one resident.

Nearby, in New Hedges (St Mary Out Liberty), county councillor for the ward, Cllr Rhys Jordan continues with his efforts to find a long-term solution to issues involving traffic speeds around the village.

“Speeding in New Hedges continues to be a priority for me, and I’m working with the Community Council and road safety officers to implement further speed-reducing measures,” he stated.

“The speed awareness sign on Broadfield Hill has made a noticeable difference since its installation. Many thanks to Saundersfoot Community Council for funding it for the benefit of the wider area.

“Speeding is an ongoing issue, and I’m committed to finding long-term solutions to keep our roads safe,” he added.

Attempts to reduce the speed limit along New Hedges by-pass were looked at by local councillors back in 2022, following concerns raised.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s highways department was asked to look at the possibility of reducing the speed limit along the by-pass from 50 to 40 mph, but came to the conclusion that this might be difficult to justify and achieve.

With reports regarding ‘near misses’ occurring when motorists join the by-pass, the highways department advised that assuming there is adequate visibility available, near miss collisions are most likely to be the result of those not observing the current 50 mph limit and therefore a 40 mph limit was unlikely to change the behaviour of these drivers.