Confusion over 20mph signs is “putting lives at risk”, councillor warns

Caerphilly County Borough Council is “putting lives at risk” by not ensuring the right speed signs are in place through Machen, according to a community councillor.

Steve Aicheler, a Liberal Democrat community councillor in Bedwas, Trethomas, and Machen, has criticised the county council for the current signage at either end of Machen.

As it stands, motorists driving into Machen from Trethomas are met with 20mph signs as they enter the village. However, when entering Machen from Newport, drivers are still seeing 30mph signs.

The speed limit through Machen changed to 20mph on September 17 as part of the national rollout.

Cllr Aicheler said the current situation is putting “lives at risk” as well as “causing confusion”. He added: “Residents in Machen have been campaigning for lower speeds through the village for many years, it’s the most common issued raised with me on the doorstep.

“The council have sent out a crew to change the signs at one end of Machen, another crew to change the signs at the other end, but have still not changed the signs on the main road. People are confused.

“Residents are expecting drivers to be keeping to the new limit, but drivers are not clear that they’re entering a 20mph zone. This puts people’s lives at risk.”

When asked about the signage, Machen and Rudry’s Labour councillor Amanda McConnell said she has been made aware of the issue by residents, and is awaiting a response from the council’s highways department.

Cllr McConnell was also asked about two 20mph signs which have been graffitied in Trethomas. She said that issue has been reported to Bedwas and Trethomas councillor Lisa Phipps.

Cllr Aicheler went on to criticise where the signs had been erected, as they were initially covered by foliage. However, this has since been rectified.

Caerphilly County Borough Council has been contacted for comment.