CAMPAIGNERS for a speed cut on a dangerous Monmouthshire road look set to win their five-year battle.

Assembly Minister Andrew Davies announced a package of road safety measures for the A40 at Monmouth, including a proposed reduction in the speed limit to 50mph.

Drivers will have to slow down just before the Gibraltar Tunnels to 250 metres past the Dixton Roundabout.

Improvements are also due to be made to both approaches to the Wye Bridge traffic signals and anti-skid surfacing will be laid around the Dixton Roundabout.

All measures should be in place before the end of the current financial year.

Since a "Drop It To 40" campaign was launched - calling for a cut from 70mph - there have been a number of serious accidents on the road.

In May 2005, a woman was left paralysed after being involved in a collision while crossing the road while the following November four Cardiff City footballers were injured in a crash with a lorry.

Mr Davies, minister for enterprise, innovation and networks, said: "These measures will deliver significant safety improvements along this section of the A40, not only reducing the speed limit but also providing clearer signing and improved road markings for motorists."

He said the proposals had the backing of Gwent Police and Monmouthshire county council.

Campaigner Alfie Goodrich, whose late mother Eileen also lobbied hard for a cut in the speed limit, cautiously welcomed the announcement but added he would be more happy when the proposal became a certainty.

"I would love it to be cut to 40mph but 50mph is an excellent start," said Mr Goodrich. "This is a victory for common sense as much as anything else."

He added his mother, who was a councillor for many years, would have been "enormously happy" and would have thanked everyone who fought for the change.

Monmouth MP and AM David Davies said everyone would be delighted. "This package of measures is fantastic. It is everything I and other campaigners have been asking for over the last five years.

"The 50mph speed limit through Monmouth is certain to reduce the number of serious accidents and fatalities that would have taken place on this stretch of road."