Vale of Glamorgan set for transport improvement work
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has secured funding from Welsh Government to carry out a series of transport improvements.
This money will be used to boost walking and cycling numbers, increase road safety and upgrade bus stops, among other projects.
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Sustainable Places, said: “I’m delighted that we have been successful in gaining this funding, which will be spent on upgrading a range of facilities to benefit residents.
“It will pay for schemes that encourage active forms of travel, promoting health and wellbeing."
Cllr Mark Wilson, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said: “Money will also go towards improving public transport so people can become less reliant on cars. This aligns with the Council’s Project Zero commitment to become a carbon neutral organisation by 2030 and for the Vale to become a carbon neutral county by 2050.
“We live in an area of outstanding natural beauty and have a responsibility to protect that environment. This work can help with that objective, while also improving road safety.”
In total, the Council will receive just under £3.4 million from Welsh Government which must go towards specific transport schemes identified in the application and cannot be spent elsewhere.
£645,000 of that is to continue the development of active travel routes from Barry to Dinas Powys, Weycock Cross to Cardiff Airport and Sully to Cosmeston.
It will be used to acquire land, continue scheme development, with interested parties offered the chance to have their say on the projects through a public consultation.
The money will also provide cycle and scooter storage in schools and public areas and help make pedestrian improvements across the Vale.
A funding award of £331,000 will go towards installing a formal crossing point and upgrading facilities for those travelling on foot on Coldbrook Road East and be of particular benefit to pupils as they move to and from St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School.
As well as improving health, air quality and reducing carbon emissions, these schemes will create better walking and cycling connections with employment and education sites, key services and public transport.
A grant of £177,497 will be used to deliver the Port Road and Porthkerry Road, Rhoose Highway Improvement Scheme, which contributes towards Welsh Government’s target to reduce casualties on roads.
That will involve reducing the speed limit to 40mph, introducing vehicle activated signs and placing warning markings along the airport bend to improve awareness of hazards, lower road noise and pollution.
The Council has also been awarded £242,716 to gain the necessary powers to enforce traffic offences committed by vehicles while they are in motion.
It will allow the Authority to continue exploring timed street closures around schools to boost safety and increase the numbers cycling and traveling on foot.
This money will also cover road safety education, cycle training and extra tuition for newly qualified drivers.
£500,000 will be spent on improving bus service infrastructure by introducing signs with real-time scheduling information that accurately reflect projected arrival times.
Lastly, £1.45 million has been allocated for reviewing 20mph and 30mph speed limits on roads and implementing any necessary changes.