Plans to tackle traffic chaos

Traffic levels increased by nearly 80% at Culverhouse Cross

Plans have been drawn up to tackle the traffic nightmare at one of Wales' busiest road hotspots.

Motorists heading towards Culverhouse Cross on the A48, west of Cardiff, during rush hour are virtually guaranteed to hit delays.

Now a study commissioned by the Welsh assembly has come up with number of suggested solutions.

On Wednesday Vale councillors decided to hold talks with other local authorities and public transport operators.

The roundabout is the primary route to Cardiff International Airport which caters for hundreds of thousands of travellers every year.

We have to address the Culverhouse Cross problem because it is economically damaging Councillor Mike Harvey

The crossroads also provides key access to the popular seaside town of Barry, the Vale of Glamorgan and a huge retail park.

One of the long-term solutions put forward by the consultants who compiled the report would be a direct road between the M4 at Miskin and the A48.

However the assembly has decided that other options should be explored before the recommendation is accepted.

Councillor Mike Harvey, lives about a mile from the cross-roads and is the vice chairman on the planning committee.

'Same language'

"I am pleased that we are now working with the assembly.

"Until recently we weren't talking the same language.

"We don't have a solution and we don't have the money - but we are now collaborating with the assembly and trying to find a way forward."

"We have to address the Culverhouse Cross problem because it is economically damaging and what is important is that the assembly now recognises that."

Congestion at the cross-roads has become a major issue with a 78% increase in traffic levels between 1989 and 1997.

The study recommends ways of improving the access to Cardiff International Airport and outlines transport needs in the area up to 2016.

The options include a park and ride scheme at Junction 34 off the M4, an internal public transport system linking the shops on the roundabout and general road and signage upgrades.