DISCUSSIONS around the ‘pinch point’ in Monmouth have taken place, with its future set to be decided later this year.

In a meeting with Central Monmouth Area Committee last week, Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) traffic and network manager Paul Keeble made a presentation and received feedback from the trial.

He reported that general feedback for the ‘pinch point’ has been favourable, and that police had felt that the layout was beneficial and there had not been the impact on traffic that some had expected.

Councillors and members of the public in the meeting raised points about how pedestrian safety has improved, in particular when concerning those with wheelchairs, zimmer frames and prams.

It was discussed how, in general, the mood towards the ‘pinch point’ has changed. Roger Hoggins, head of operations at MCC, said: “Anyone who was on social media would have seen the reaction when the ‘pinch point’ was installed and would have thought it was going to fail, but it seems to have turned around.”

Cllr Debbie Blakeborough was in agreement, pointing out that she was aware of less traffic going through Monnow Street.

“Anecdotally, I will think twice about driving through the pinch point. I suspect more people are doing the same and avoiding going through town. The evidence points towards success.”

Cllr Bob Hayward was one who was sceptical. He said: “I originally voted in support of the pinch point because I was certain it was going to fail. I have to say that it hasn’t been like that, there has been congestion at certain times but there does seem to be significantly less traffic than this time last year.

“The fact that there is less traffic in Monnow Street has been helped by the signage on the Hereford Road encouraging vehicles to take the dual carriageway. I wonder if these signs had been there in the first place, would we need the pinch point?”

Paul Keeble was asked about the benefit of the ‘pinch point’ over traffic lights.

While some were keen to avoid traffic lights, he pointed out that if a “major incident” happened, they would have to put lights in which would solve the problems.

It was said that a review will take place later in the year, which will decided the future of the ‘pinch point’.

A decision will be made by the Cabinet member for highways to either terminate the trial, make the change permanent or upgrade it to a better specification, to extend the trial further down Monnow Street as originally planned or to defer the decision and continue the trial to gather more information, which he suggested was probably the most realistic option.