2017-07-10 22:28:54 +0100
To: Velothon UK/Wales, Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff Council, Newport Council, Torfaen Council, Monmouthshire Council, Caerphilly Council and Blaenau Gwent Council
Local residents against Velothon Wales road closures.
We, the residents of Cardiff, Newport, Torfaen, Monmouthshire, Caerphilly and Blaenau Gwent Councils are unhappy with the road closures and inconvenience brought by the Velothon Wales.
Why is this important?
The annual Velothon of Wales and the route are inconvenient and disrupt the lives of local people, cutting some residents off from local amenities, family and work over an unacceptable period.
The route and length of time the roads are closed for this event are unsuitable and this offers little benefit for ordinary residents or small businesses, some of whom have to close. Some cannot get to work or have to take lengthy detours to do so.
Some roads were closed before the advertised times, officials were misinformed about alternative routes and roads did not reopen at the planned times.
The route and event, if it is to remain in the area, must be adapted as to not close major A roads or limit the movement of local residents for prolonged periods of time. Roads should be closed in stages and vehicles should be free to pass until the stage of the race is within the vicinity.
What would happen in some areas if there was a need for emergency vehicles to attend a critically ill person or fire? How would patients or family attend A & E? How do people visit sick relatives?
We ask that the organisers are more considerate of the people their event impacts and a consultation of local residents is held for future events so their concerns are aired and acted upon.
Consider a rolling road block, adjusting the route to give communities or areas a break or use improved B roads.
