NEW reduced speed limits could be implemented on roads from Usk and Raglan if a proposal is approved by Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) today (Wednesday 7th January).

The plans will see a reduction from the national speed limit (60mph) to 50mph along two routes in the county.

The B4598 between Usk and Penpergwm and the route R64, for the most part called Groesonen Road, between the Raglan roundabout and Llanvihangel Gobion are those under consideration.

These proposals are being considered because of petitions from residents and road users, supported by David Davies MP, Nick Ramsey AM and several councillors.

Police originally expressed reservations about the changes, saying that the extent of the proposals was excessive, but subsequently stated they do not have any objections to the plans.

The proposals have not been met with all-round support, particularly for that concerning the B4598, as a petition featuring 275 signatures, and a number of individuals oppose them. Reasons behind these objections include that the reduced speed would have a detrimental effect both for local road users and visitors to the area and that it is a "heavy handed" reaction against a large number of motorcycle riders who use the B4598.

The primary reason behind the argument to reduce the speed limit is that the tight and twisting roads are unsafe to support speeds of 60mph and that the limit should be reduced on safety grounds. There is already a Community Speed Watch Team, supported by Gwent Police, run by some residents who live along the B4598.

The proposals would exclude those sections where the speed limit is already lower than 60mph, such as the villages of Llanfair Kilgeddin and Llancayo on the B4598, where the existing limits are 40mph.