Speed cameras go live on A4059 between Abercynon and Cwmbach
Active enforcement of a new road safety scheme on the A4059 in the Cynon Valley is set to begin from Wednesday, October 1.
The average speed camera system, installed between Abercynon Roundabout and Cwmbach, will now enforce the recently introduced lower speed limits. Drivers exceeding the limits will be dealt with under GoSafe's standard practices.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and GoSafe have been working together to improve safety on the route following a rise in serious and fatal collisions in recent years.
As part of a review, traffic counters monitored vehicles over a seven-day period. While the average speed was 48mph, there were 15 recorded cases of cars travelling at more than 100mph, with one reaching 127mph.
Following consultation, new limits were introduced earlier this year.
Key changes include:
Abercynon Roundabout to Mountain Ash: now 50mph (previously 50mph and national speed limit)
Quarter Mile junction: reduced to 40mph (previously 50mph)
Mountain Ash Comprehensive to Cwmbach: now 50mph (previously national speed limit)
Existing 30mph and 40mph sections in Mountain Ash remain unchanged
All changes are clearly signposted.
Alongside the average speed cameras, two red light/speed-on-green cameras have been installed near the Mountain Ash Southern Cross Valley Link.
While the technology has been monitoring traffic during a test period, enforcement will now begin. For the first four weeks, warning letters will be issued to drivers exceeding the limit. After this, educational courses and fines will be introduced.
The Council estimates that the lower limits add just 25 seconds to the average journey time between Cwmbach and Abercynon.
Road improvements have also been carried out, including resurfacing, refreshed coloured surfacing at the Quarter Mile Junction, new markings, and renewed cats' eyes between Abercynon Roundabout and Ysbyty Cwm Cynon Roundabout.
A Council spokesperson said:
"The new speed camera systems should discourage motorists from hitting dangerously high speeds along this route, to improve safety for all.
It was incredibly concerning to see 15 motorists exceed 100mph in our review. This is clearly unacceptable and exactly what we are targeting to stop.
"This is not a money-making exercise - we would be delighted not to issue a single speeding fine, as that would mean we have made this route safer. We are giving road users advanced notice that the cameras are becoming operational."
Gareth Morgan, Head of GoSafe, added:
"GoSafe's only objective is to make Welsh roads safer for everyone.
Collisions have a devastating impact on families and inappropriate speed plays a major role. The behaviour shown by a minority of people is putting everyone at risk and these cameras will help to stop it.
"We will be issuing warning letters for the first four weeks after the cameras are activated. This lets us engage with people first and avoid punitive measures.
Dangerous speeds will not be tolerated and we will prosecute people putting lives at risk."