The new Toucan crossing on Hay Road to serve Ysgol y Mynydd Du was commissioned recently and FYI Talgarth gave it a road test. Talgarth Town Council chair and County Councillor William Powell was on hand along with Sam Toone, Head Mistress of Ysgol Y Mynydd Du, Cllr Pip Turner, some of the youngsters from School and their parents, stepped out on to the new crossing, situated just along from the Haygarth Surgery, connecting two footpaths leading to Hay Road and the main pavements for Bronllys bound pedestrians.
There had been a robust debate on pedestrian safety around the new school for over 18months. Indeed, following an intervention by Talgarth Town Council and County Councillor William Powell, members of the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority deferred approving the original plans back in November 2016, until highways concerns were addressed. A fixed crossing was to be central to raising pedestrian safety standards.
Over recent weeks, a range of views had been expressed about the positioning of the crossing but now in place, it does provide a safe controlled crossing point, both for residents wishing to access both our local surgery and our new school. However, despite the '20' Mph speed signs flashing after the end of school, we did witness several private cars, lorries and tractors still driving well above the designated speed. FYI Talgarth urges all road users to respect the speed limit and make special considerations for the young people walking to school, as well as other pedestrians.
Cllr Powell commented:
'Opinions will always divide on road schemes, safe routes, etc and understandably so when pupil safety is at stake. However, I am grateful to pupils, parents and members of the school community for their patience, and special care since Ysgol y Mynydd Du first opened its doors on 27th February.
‘Given the regrettable delay in PCC delivering key elements of the road safety scheme in the last couple of months, we have cause to thank support staff at Ysgol y Mynydd Du for monitoring the pupils crossing. Also, Sgt Craig Morgan of Dyfed-Powys Police and his Roads Policing colleagues have made sterling efforts to beef up speed enforcement at this key gateway to Talgarth – and will continue to do so.’
Sam Toone - Head of Ysgol Y Mynydd Du had this to say:
"After many months of hard work, it is wonderful to see the Toucan crossing finally in place and being used by the school and wider community. Thank you to the pupils, governors, and parents who supported us in our efforts, ensuring child safety was given top priority."
Parents, students and staff from Ysgol Y Mynydd Du along with Cllrs William Powell and Pip Turner road test the crossing!
Two students try out the new safe crossing
The crossing for pedestrians and cyclists to use, get the all clear in our road test!
Despite the '20' mph speed limit, we witnessed several vehicles still traveling at speed!
This young road user clearly happy with the new Toucan crossing!
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