THIS year police have attended seven car accidents on the A4042 trunk road between Mamhilad and Goytre around the Little Mill junction, one which was fatal.

At the weekend that a man was seriously injured in a crash between a Ford Focus and Nissan coupe.

Residents have been calling for something to be done to tackle the stretch of the road they deem to be a danger.

In an open letter to Assembly to the minister for economy and transport and deputy first minister Ieuan Wyn Jones, Goytre Fawr ward councillor Bryan Jones appeals for action on behalf of campaigners.

Dear Minister I write concerning the A4042 trunk road between Goytre (Penperlleni) village and the Mamhilad roundabout.

Accidents continue to happen on this stretch of road with terrifying regularity. The most recent on Friday which again resulted in serious injuries to a motorist.

This was near the junction of the A4042 with the A472 at Little Mill, where most accidents, including one fatal, have occurred. At this junction traffic heading north from Mamhilad wishing to go to Little Mill, Usk and beyond have to cross the path of traffic coming in the opposite direction which can legally be travelling at 60 mph - but sometimes even faster.

Visibility is poor and there are also some strategically positioned bushes and even some additional tree planting, which will eventually reduce the line of site even further.

Whilst acknowledging that the Assembly spent a large amount of money on “re-aligning” this junction it is still dangerous. Indeed I would have to say that you would have difficulty in designing anything more dangerous if you tried.

The accidents on the junction could be prevented by the installation of a roundabout and put an end to the daily lottery that local residents have to endure at this point.

In the meantime a 40 mph speed limit should be imposed between Goytre village and Mamhilad roundabout. This would go some way towards reducing the severity and number of accidents that occur all along this section of road.

I am sure that as minister for the economy and transport you are aware of the impact of a serious accident on the local economy, when a major trunk road is closed for hours and the impact on our already over-stretched emergency services.

Most serious of all are the consequences on those people who have lost a family member or have suffered serious injuries.

Please Minister do not wait for more accidents, deaths and serious injuries.

Take action now.

Yours sincerely Councillor S. Bryan Jones Member for Goytre Fawr Ward