THE decision to keep a speed limit on a “dangerous” bridge at 50mph has prompted discussions concerning childrens’ safety.

In last week’s Chepstow Town Council meeting, town clerk Sandra Bushell reported on her correspondence with Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart, about the speed limit on the A48 Wye bridge in Chepstow.

Traffic Wales concluded earlier this year that the section over the bridge will retain its current speed limit. The move comes after months of campaigning to reduce the speed limit over the busy section of the A48 to 30mph.

Despite the decision being made to keep the speed limit the same, pedestrian railings are to be added in order to protect those walking across the bridge.

The council noted that, while they were frustrated by the decision, it was important for them to recognise that the government had listened to some parts of their request to improve the road’s safety.

Councillor David Dovey said that the clerk’s letter to Edwina Hart was “excellent,” adding that she has been asking “serious questions” to what decision had been made.

Ms Bushell noted that she had already drafted a letter in response, stating how the council have not received any explanation to the decision.

“In the last two years we have not received any explanation of the thinking behind retaining the 50mph speed limit on the bridge and naturally councillors and the public are somewhat perplexed by the decision,” she wrote, requesting a copy of Traffic Wales’ review of the A48 and the detailed reasons for not changing the speed limit.

Ms Bushell pledged to continue pressing Edwina Hart about the issue, and the council agreed that it would be important to ensure that they had an input about the construction of the railings.