Council to utilise traffic enforcement cameras to improve road safety across Carmarthenshire

The County Council has an ambition to make the roads in Carmarthenshire safer and reduce traffic congestion. Two sites have been identified by the County Council as sections of road which could see the number of accidents and traffic congestion decreasing through the installation of traffic enforcement to encourage compliance and improve safety.

The two locations that will see the introduction of traffic enforcement cameras are Inkerman Street junction with Murray Street in Llanelli enforcing the no right turn order and the enforcement of stopping on the yellow box markings on the A4138 at Hendy (Junction 48 of the M4).

Inkerman Street junction with Murray Street, Llanelli
This location is subject to a Banned Right Turn by virtue of a Traffic Regulation Order. The Order was originally introduced to ensure the safety of pedestrians using the pelican crossing which is situated just to the east of the junction. However, in the last five years, the crossing has been the site of several road traffic collisions, four of which resulted in personal injury, and numerous concerns of road safety have been raised by the local community.

The aim with the introduction of the camera and more conspicuous signage, is to improve the junction, the safety of pedestrians crossing and safety for all road users. Warning letters have been issued to date, advising offending motorists of their contravention. However, noncompliance remains high and therefore the enforcement action will commence from Monday, 4 November 2024.

A4138 at Hendy
Yellow Box Markings are placed at busy junctions to aid the flow of traffic. , However, the markings on the A4138 at Hendy (Junction 48) are often contravened and not kept clear, leading to increased congestion especially during peak times which have the potential to impact the traffic on the M4 This can lead to increased accidents and road safety concerns. Preparations are being made to install two enforcement cameras to enforce the Yellow Box Markings on the A4138 at Hendy with the aim of relieving congestion, improving traffic flows and enhancing road safety. Warning letters will be issued to offending drivers when the cameras are turned on in December and as a lead-up to enforcement action commencing in the new year.

Carmarthenshire County Council reminds drivers not to enter the box junction without a clear exit. Do not enter a box junction if there is a chance you will have to stop in the box.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services – Cllr Edward Thomas said:

“The introduction of enforcement cameras will allow for traffic to flow smoothly at these junctions and improve safety to road users and pedestrians.

“The site at Inkerman Street have been monitored for the last two months and approximately 30 warning letters a day have been sent to motorists who have not complied with the restrictions, therefore it is clear that further action is required to encourage compliance.”

The cameras, which have been approved by Welsh Government and the Vehicle and certification Agency, records video evidence of possible contraventions. Each contravention is reviewed by a trained civil enforcement officer to ensure that a contravention has occurred before authorising a the issuing of a Penalty Chare Notice (PCN). The penalty for a contravention is £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. If the PCN is ignored the penalty increases.