THE Welsh Government’s transport minister has passed two plans to try and ease traffic problems in Chepstow.

Edwina Hart has given the green light to traffic measures which prevent motorists turning right onto Hardwick Hill from Bulwark Road as well as improvements to the High Beech roundabout.

But the plans have received a mixed reception from local businesses.

Zoe Crockett, a partner at DC Crockett, which is based on the Bulwark Industrial Estate said: “It is quite a dangerous turning, so it’s quite a good idea.”

But the owner of Bulwark-based 4 Oak, Chris Klinkert, said: “ I can’t think what it’ll achieve. It is not really that junction that causes congestion.

“They need to put traffic lights on there but they can’t in case a lorry breaks down.”

Monmouthshire County Council’s air steering group was told last October that consultants conducted a survey into traffic in the town, but received a lukewarm response with only 30 out of 200 residents responding to their letters.

Five options were examined in a bid to ease the traffic congestion which has plagued Chepstow. Among them were building a bypass around the town, banning lorries driving through the town or introducing a toll.

A Welsh Government spokesman said the Assembly had opted to pursue two other alternatives which were banning right turns at the Bulwark Junction and upgrading High Beech Roundabout.

A Monmouthshire County Council is determined to see improvements in the town’s air quality with cuts in emissions of nitrogen dioxide.

Its spokesman said: “The council supports the proposed actions to improve safety, air quality and traffic flow.

“Highways officers will meet shortly with Welsh Government engineers to discuss the design of the Bulwark Road junction and High Beech roundabout.

“We have been working with Welsh Government and local stakeholders as part of the Chepstow Air Quality Plan with the aim of improving air quality.

“In particular we want to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels along the A48 through Chepstow.

“We hope these proposals will have a beneficial impact on air quality.”

But Cllr Armand Watts, who represents Thornwell on the council, said theWelsh Government should be wary of new traffic problems.

The councillor says they could loom with a 200-home development planned for Sedbury and the potential Mabey Bridge development near the River Wye.