CONCERNS have been raised by politicians about the ongoing Llandeilo Bypass discussions.

Recently, the Welsh Government announced that there are still ongoing discussions about the bypass, including the potential for a diversion of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

In a written statement, deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters, stated the Welsh Government has asked Professor Andrew Potter, a member of the government’s roads review panel, to support them in the exploration of the diversion of HGVs and also that the presentation of the preferred option for the Welsh Transport Appraisal Guidance (WeITAG) review group which has been pushed back to autumn 2023.

Plaid Cymru politicians are now expressing concerns about this after the HGV diversion option was initially removed from consideration earlier in the project by the WelTAG due to the difficulties with enforcing and controlling a ban on HGVs going through the town.

Adam Price, MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, said: “The latest statement from the Welsh Government on the Llandeilo Bypass undermines the credibility of the entire process. The HGV option was taken off the table by the Welsh Government themselves following the first round of public consultation as it was concluded it was unworkable.

“If the Welsh Government now believe that the best solution to Llandeilo’s traffic problems is to cancel a bypass and divert HGV vehicles through surrounding villages instead, then I would invite them to walk on the roads with me, which are barely wide enough in some places to accommodate more than a single vehicle, and explain the policy to residents in those communities.

“The WelTAG stage 2 completion date was initially set to be in 2020, with a preferred option presented by the government at that stage. This target has been missed no less than six times since then. We are now almost three years since the second round of consultation and yet no further forward with this project.

“This is deeply disrespectful to local residents, to their democratic representatives, and to the very real concerns we all share about the completely unacceptable traffic issues in the town.”

Cllr Darren Price, leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, said: “Carmarthenshire County Council is quite clear in its opinion that the solution to the traffic problems in Llandeilo is to construct a bypass. We have been consistent in that view.

“The Welsh Government should proceed with the delivery of the bypass as a matter of urgency. They have delayed on this for far too long, resulting in significant frustration being felt locally. It is time to act.”