‘Dangerous’ junctions along the A477 and A40 have been raised with the Cabinet Secretary for Transport by the Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire - who stated that ‘common sense’ dictates that neither are safe.

Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz raised the ongoing concerns over the junction at Red Roses along the A477, which requires traffic to slow down significantly to make a sharp 90-degree turn due to the absence of a slip road; whilst a similar junction is currently being built on the new A40 Redstone Cross bypass, which is yet to fully open.

This isn’t the first time Mr Kurtz has highlighted road safety concerns to the Welsh Government for the locality, having previously campaigned vigorously for improvements at the Nash Fingerpost junction following multiple accidents, leading to the installation of a smart traffic light system.

At the Senedd Mr Kurtz told transport secretary Ken Skates: “It can’t be understated, the success of the improvements at the Nash Fingerpost junction along the A477, and I thank the Welsh Government for their intervention in making that junction safe. But also along the A477 is the junction to Red Roses—a 90-degree junction on a busy main road, where there have been a number of accidents over the years.

Members of the Eglwyscummin Community Council at the road-side meeting with local politicians Samuel Kurtz MS, Cefin Campbell MS and Ann Davies MP discussing safety concerns at the Red Roses junction.
Members of the Eglwyscummin Community Council at the road-side meeting with local politicians Samuel Kurtz MS, Cefin Campbell MS and Ann Davies MP discussing safety concerns at the Red Roses junction. (Pic supplied)

“Now, I’ve written to you about this previously, and I’ve met with you. While this junction itself is compliant with the rules, common sense dictates that it's not safe.

“The same could be said for the new junction on the Llanddewi Velfrey-Redstone Cross bypass—again, another 90-degree junction with no slip-road exit on a busy road.

“Could I ask that these two junctions are looked at in more detail and that the regulations that are used to build these junctions are updated, because it’s clear from common sense that these junctions aren’t safe, but they continue to be built not only in my constituency, but across Wales as well?”

Red roses junction
“Ever since the junction was opened in 2014 local residents have been campaigning to have this junction improved. The signpost has been hit many times. Vehicles have gone through crash barriers and ended up in the nearby ditch.” (Observer pic)

Mr Skates said that the Government has added a scheme to the 2025-26 programme to identify potential short-term safety interventions at the Red Roses junction.

He acknowledged that there were safety issues at the original Redstone Cross junction and promised for a safety audit to be undertaken, prior to the removal of traffic management and the opening of this scheme, and has asked for a comprehensive briefing on the matter.

Speaking outside the Senedd Chamber, Mr Kurtz said: “Road safety is an important concern for everyone that travels on the A477 and the A40. Common sense dictates that the layout of the junctions, while abiding by current regulations, are clearly not safe.

A40 road sign Llanddwei Velfrey to Redstone Cross
(Traffic Wales)

“With the tourist season fast approaching, many more people will be travelling westward with no knowledge of the road layout, and will not be prepared for cars in front of them to be breaking on such fast roads.

“The Welsh Government need to take a closer look at these junctions, and at the current regulations, so dangerous junctions such as these can be made safe, and future junctions are built safe in the first place.”