Public meeting to address Newtown traffic

A public meeting in Newtown will be held tonight to discuss traffic congestion. A report commissioned by the Welsh Government found that, short of building a bypass, little can be done. Locals say they are unhappy with the finding.

The report, which was commissioned by the Welsh Transport Minister, was made public in March. It found that the traffic controls that were initially installed were 'poorly calibrated' when they were set up. It found that this was the cause of signification congestion and delays.

The report recommended that a final 'major configuration' would improve the situation.

The Powys town has long endured traffic problems, which residents say got worse after a supermarket was built in the area. The new build meant a change to the road system, which meant that cars would have to pass through numerous sets of traffic lights. There were complaints from locals that the junction near the supermarket becomes heavily congested, with long delays at certain times.

There have been plans to build a bypass for the town, but it's likely that it won't be in place until 2014.