“No change at all”: Community group welcomes 20mph rollout but says more needs to be done

Draethen Community Group has seen “no change at all” to the speed of motorists, after initially welcoming the 20mph rollout, and believes more needs to be done.

The small village on the edge of Caerphilly County Borough is considered a “rat run” according to community group member and resident, Andrea Morgan, with the village wedged in-between Newport and Cardiff.

Classed as a conservation area, Draethen is a popular destination for ramblers, with nearby historical attractions such as Ruperra Castle and the Motte in walking distance.

However, with this natural beauty comes narrow country lanes and no pavements, something Ms Morgan believes has created a “dangerous environment” for residents, with cars often driving through the village at high speeds.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, she said: “I’ve been living in Draethen for six years but having spoken to other members of the group, cars have been driving well over 30mph through here for more than 20 years.

“We’ve been in touch with councillors and even ran speed watch sessions with Gwent Police to deter motorists, but still we saw cars speeding through.

“There are lots of young children in the village and with no pavements it can be quite scary for parents. We’ve clocked cars coming through at over 60mph in the past.”

Ms Morgan went on to explain how she and the group had pushed for traffic calming measures in the past such as speed bumps, but were told there would be no funding available.

“Everyone seemed to hide behind the ‘golden ticket’ which was the 20mph law”, she added.

Despite welcoming the “new era” which has reduced the speed through Draethen from 30mph to 20mph, Ms Morgan and the community group have seen no marked change.

She said: “There’s been no change at all. I’ve seen several cars speed past me since the law came in, and our concern is that the people who drove faster than 30mph will still be speeding.

“We’re hugely disappointed of course. We’ll keep trying to inform motorists in an ‘organic’ matter through our own means but more needs to be done.”