The Community Speed Watch (CSW) volunteers from Newbridge-on-Wye have recently been informed by Go Safe, the Welsh road safety partnership, that the village has been re-designated as a Community Concern site. This means the local community will receive increased presence by the Go Safe speed enforcement vans and traffic police officers from Dyfed Powys Police. They have also been notified by the Welsh Assembly that the 30 mph signs on the access roads will all be upgraded to make them more visible and highlight the fact that the village is subject to police speed enforcement on a regular basis.

These developments proceed multiple speed watch sessions conducted by the volunteers which resulted in hundreds of police warning letters being sent to drivers. The accumulation of this sizeable volume of data has provided irrefutable evidence of the many risks faced by the village and their concerns regards there being a serious injury of fatal road traffic collision.

The CSW volunteers have expressed their grateful thanks to Powys County Council Road Safety Department, Kirsty Williams, AM and PCSO Miranda Whateley for all their kind support.

While Cllr Claire Mills, a member of the CSW, appreciates the support being offered, she said:

"The volunteers are to be congratulated for all their hard work, but let there be no misunderstanding, this is far from good news. The re-designation of the village and new road signs highlight the very real risks faced by residents. The CSW have recorded cars entering the village in excess of 60 mph and articulated lorries at over 50 mph, both when the school 20 mph warning signs were illuminated. Whilst discussing issues of concern with residents in the village, they often complain of the speed that vehicles travel into and through the village. I can summarise their concerns in two simple words – speed kills.

"Drivers need to be aware there is now a significantly greater chance they will be prosecuted if they speed in Newbridge-on-Wye. I am extremely proud of the CSW team in Newbridge, they are a shining example of how a community can come together to make and enforce change for the benefit of the wider community.”