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Residents have demanded urgent action to stop cars speeding down their street before someone is “injured or even killed”.

People living on Groesfaen Terrace, between Deri and Bargoed, have complained that too many drivers are ignoring the 30mph speed limit on the road, which has a sharp bend.

Darran Valley community councillor Ann Vincent, who lives on the street, said: “For years we have had to put up with speeding traffic travelling through Groesfaen Terrace. 

“Many residents fear for their lives every time they have to cross the road.  We all dread the day a pedestrian will be injured or even killed as a result of speeding vehicles.”

In the early hours of Tuesday, July 6, a motorcyclist was taken to hospital after a crash on Groesfaen Terrace. A Gwent Police spokesperson said the crash remains under investigation and enquiries are ongoing.

Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney’s Member of Parliament, Gerald Jones, has written to Gwent Police and Caerphilly County Borough Council deputy leader Jamie Pritchard, calling for something to be done about the issue.

Labour MP Mr Jones said: “Residents have the right to walk their street without the fear of being hit by a speeding vehicle.

“Alongside Cllr David Hardacre, I’ve previously secured speed surveys and warning signs but it’s clear that greater enforcement action is now needed.

“I’ve written to Gwent Police asking them to take tough action on this issue to safeguard the health and safety of my constituents. I’ve also asked the council to look at what measures they could take to reduce speed in the area.”

A Caerphilly Council spokesperson said the authority’s Highways team is investigating the issues raised by Mr Jones.

Council deputy leader and Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Property, Cllr Pritchard said: “I’m aware of the reports of speeding from the local community and have agreed to meet on site to discuss the issue to see what can be done”.

Recently, the Welsh Government announced plans to reduce the default speed limit from 30mph to 20mph on busy pedestrian streets and residential roads like Groesfaen Terrace.

A consultation on the plans will run until September 30, with a view to introducing the measure fully in 2023.

Labour Senedd Member Dawn Bowden, who represents the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency, backed the proposals and said: “Making 20mph the default speed limit on busy pedestrian streets and in residential areas across Wales is a significant step that will bring about significant benefits for safety and reduce harm.

“I know that speeding traffic is a concern to many constituents. This proposed law will save lives, and it will help to make our streets a safer place for pedestrians and cyclists.

“However I know that making such a change is not easy as it involves a change of hearts and minds. But experience now shows that we have previously made changes in smoking rules and with seat belt laws that become accepted as helping with the health and the safety of our communities”.