Fatal A55 crash prompts call for urgent safety plan

Readers have their say after Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders called for a Welsh Government review and plan to manage frequent accidents on the A55 following a fatal collision near Conwy Tunnel

Claire Elliott and North Wales Live readers 04:00, 05 Feb 2026

Emergency services work near the scene of a road accident on the A55 near the Conwy Tunnel at Conwy Morfa(Image: David Powell)

An MS' s call for a full review and a comprehensive plan to tackle accidents on the A55[1] has prompted debate amongst readers. Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders raised concerns about the high frequency of incidents on this stretch and urged the Welsh Government to investigate their causes, in the wake of a fatal crash near the Conwy[2] Tunnel, which led to the death of Jennifer Anne Brown, a mother and grandmother.

Mrs Finch-Saunders said: "There are too many accidents on the A55[3].

I want a plan to understand why, introduce measures to reduce accidents, and ensure clear procedures are in place when incidents happen. We have written to the cabinet secretary," she added.

Mrs Finch-Saunders also highlighted the wider impact, saying disruptions frustrate residents, motorists, businesses, and visitors. "Our residents and motorists are fed up. It's bad for business, bad for drivers, and leaves a poor impression for visitors.

Gridlock at Sychnant Pass shows there is no proper plan for incidents in the Conwy Tunnel. Motorists wait hours in long queues. Ken Skates, the secretary for transport, needs to act."

The Welsh Government confirmed a review of the A55 is underway.

Transport Secretary Ken Skates said: "Our thoughts are with all those involved in the incident. It is too early to know the cause, and a full investigation will follow. A study into A55 resilience is ongoing, looking at normal operations and the frequency and impact of major incidents."

Commenter Miw says: "About time for something to happen.

Serious accidents have become the norm."

Borntobemild agrees: "There seems to be a serious accident every day. The road is not fit for purpose."

Redheadboi asks: "Is there a policy not to prosecute Irish lorries from speeding offences on the A55? I am constantly passed by lorries going way over 50mph at Queensferry and Colwyn Bay[4] or they drive right up to your rear."

Outofhere replies: "If the police deliberately ignore the Irish trucks then that is disgraceful - they are putting lives at risk every day There is a clear solution - a 50mph speed limit enforced with cameras.

No need for years of reviews or costly consultations. It is simple, effective and has been proven to work on other roads."

Marti1 writes: "Whilst agreeing that A55 needs attention we should also keep in mind there is no such thing as an accident, the root cause is either poor human performance issues when driving ( the list is pretty long) or possibly mechanical failure but in most cases its driver error"

Bringbackboris69 believes: "It should have been built properly in the first place. The penny pinching back then is going to cost an astronomical amount to put right now."

Spikeloe points out: "This is not just a problem for Conwy, there have been two multi vehicle accidents at the eastern end of the A55 in the last couple of weeks accompanied by major delays and heavy traffic from the north-west seeking alternative routes through villages, and housing estates.

The road was badly designed from the outset. There are alternative solutions but the Welsh Government only ever provides sticking plaster solutions. Major investment is needed and North Wales MS's should lobby as a group in Cardiff to lobby the Senedd."

Damojo agrees: "The A55 is totally inadequate for the volume of traffic using it, not so much the width of the lanes, but the lack of a hard shoulder."

Grumpy old git adds: "If the A55 cannot be upgraded to motorway standards, it needs the following minimum measures to reduce serious collisions.

First, a continuous hard shoulder along the entire road. Second, restrictions on HGV lane use, for example, no overtaking from 06:00 to 10:00 and 16:00 to 19:00, except to pass vehicles travelling under 50mph. This type of restriction works well in France.

Third, tractors should only be allowed on the A55 during daylight hours, or there should be a minimum speed limit."

Do you think enough is being done to make the A55 safer, or are these reviews just talk while accidents keep happening? Have your say in our comments section.[5]

References

1. ^ comprehensive plan to tackle accidents on the A55 (www.dailypost.co.uk)
2. ^ Conwy (www.dailypost.co.uk)
3. ^ A55 (www.dailypost.co.uk)
4. ^ Colwyn Bay (www.dailypost.co.uk)
5. ^ Have your say in our comments section. (www.dailypost.co.uk)