Campaigners calling for safety changes to a dangerous ‘black spot’ in Pembrokeshire, have seen a petition reach over 10,000 signatures to try and force the Senedd and the Highways Authorities to reconsider the layout of the Nash Fingerpost Junction A477 to A4075.

After the recent horrific accident at the junction on the Pembroke Road on May 13 which resulted in the death of motorcyclist, twenty-nine-year-old Ashley Rogers of Kilgetty the people of Pembrokeshire said 'enough is enough’ with campaigners calling for urgent alterations to be made at the treacherous road between Milton and Pembroke Dock following the latest tragedy.

Now the petition has amassed over 10,000 signatures which will urge the Senedd to introduce a safer junction, roundabout or traffic lights at the Nash Fingerpost junction.

“This shows the strength of feeling - we will not stand for anymore unnecessary accidents and fatalities on this treacherous junction,” one campaigner told the Observer.

“Whilst we wait for the Senedd to seriously discuss this we are campaigning to get a safer junction in the meantime - hopefully in the form of a speed reduction and better signage. Thank you so much for all the concerned citizens who took the time to sign this petition.

Simon Hart MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire who has also urged the Welsh Government to consider alterations along with his colleague Senedd Member for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire Samuel Kurtz, remarked: “I am thrilled that the petition calling for the introduction of safety measures at the A477 Pembroke Fingerpost junction has reached an incredible milestone - 10,000 signatures and counting.

Simon Hart
Local MP Simon Hart is urging the Welsh Government to act to prevent further tragedies at the section of road in Pembrokeshire (Simon Hart/Facebook)

“I hope that the petition passing this point is the first step in making this junction safer.

“Your support and determination have propelled our campaign forward at an astounding pace. The petition will now be considered for debate in the Welsh Parliament, giving us an unprecedented opportunity to advocate directly for the installation of a roundabout.

“I know Samuel Kurtz MS will be in the Senedd making a forceful argument on our behalf.

“This was the second fatality in 12 years and there has also been at least nine collisions resulting in 16 casualties during that time.

“But what figures don’t show is the everyday near misses and the dicing with death that goes on day in, day out. Tankers and articulated lorries from the refinery, Castlemartin tank range and the power station all have to use this ‘ghost junction’ and it is simply not safe.

“I understand that drivers are supposed to cross from the Pembroke road onto the eastbound carriageway in one smooth manoeuvre but this is simply not possible and the sight lines do not allow it. The back ends of lorries and trailers often stick out in the westbound traffic causing the trunk road to come to a grinding halt,” continued Mr Hart.

“There is a hair-raising video on my Facebook page of a crane making the crossing which perfectly illustrates this point.

Sam Kurtz
In raising the danger of the junction at First Minister’s Questions, Mr Kurtz highlighted the fact that the Welsh Government have been aware of issues for over a decade yet have failed to act. (Pic supplied)

“I have been calling on the Welsh Government to put in a roundabout there ever since I became an MP – but in 2012 I was told by the then Welsh Transport Minister - ‘On the basis of traffic volumes using this junction, its upgrading to a roundabout is not currently justified.’

“Myself, the local Senedd Members Angela Burns and now Samuel Kurtz and county councillor Tessa Hodgson have continued to call for it to be made safer ever since.

“I really do hope that the strength of feeling shown by this petition and the tragic death of Ashley will make them take another look at it.

“Thank you for all the support so far - let's keep it going. Please sign the petition if you haven't already, and keep sharing,” he added.