A NEW traffic layout for Monnow Street will be trialled in June.

The pinch-point located at the top of Monnow Street will be adjusted to accommodate wider footways at the narrow location and, according to Monmouthshire County Council's (MCC) highways department, will improve pedestrian safety.

It is suggested the trial should last for two months to allow pedestrians and motorists to familiarise themselves with the changed layout.

Cost for the trial amounts to £10,000 and would be funded from MCC's highways revenue budget.

There was mixed feeling among councillors at the central area committee meeting last Wednesday (29th April).

There were concerns over safety issues in the town and cars mounting the curb which would be dropped.

Councillor Alan Whintle said: "The plans sound more dangerous than what we have now. The pavements aren't wide as it is. We will get cars going up on the curb."

Councillor Ruth Edwards said: "I don't agree with it one bit. To drop the curb there, I wouldn't want to be responsible for that."

Councillor Jeana Hall said she thought it was the "most dangerous thing" she'd ever heard.

Councillor Susan White said: "I've seen near misses, I've seen how people behave and see how people are driving.

"The plans look wonderful on paper but people have no respect for pedestrians or other motorists."

Councillor Bob Hayward said: "I'm not convinced the scheme will work but we are going to do a lot of work on the street and square and it would be bonkers not to go ahead with the trial.

"All trials can be stopped and adjusted but it will prove once and for all if it can work.

"It would be wrong and stupid not to give it a trial."

The majority of councillors voted for the trial. CCTV will be used in the area to monitor the flow of traffic.

Monnow Street will be closed on a Sunday to make the required changes to the road. No date has been decided yet for the trial.

If the trial is successful then the layout could become permanent.