Motorists are being warned not to take illegal short-cuts along a one-way road in Llandudno in an attempt to save time on their journeys.
Old Road, which is used by the Great Orme Tramway is increasingly being used as a rat-run by motorists, mainly taxi drivers, and police are now warning they will take robust action.
Anyone found contravening the law will now face a £30 fixed penalty. Tramway manager, Neil Jones explained that some of the main offenders are taxi drivers. He said: “The road is often used as a short-cut and at times becomes a bit of a rat-run.
“We installed a CCTV camera just over 12 months ago which has enabled us to monitor the problem, but from footage we’ve recorded we’ve seen a few incidents where it’s been a really tight squeeze between the tram and a vehicle.
“Trams could make up to 40 trips a day, and we’ve now come to a point where drivers are continuing to contravene the regulations, which could, one day, lead to serious injury for someone.”
Community Beat Manager for the Gogarth Ward, PC Lowri Jones said that patrols would be stepped up in the area. “Impatient drivers – mainly taxi drivers, are potentially risking lives by ignoring a one-way road that leads up to the Great Orme.
“We’ve noticed an increase in the number of incidents being reported to us and drivers have already received warnings, but we’ve now come to a point whereby fines will have to be issued, which will hopefully, deter this irresponsible action.”
Samantha Jones, Licensing Officer for Conwy County Borough Council said: “We take a dim view of irresponsible driving and taxi drivers in the area need to be reminded that if they do receive a fine they could have their licence suspended or revoked by Conwy County Borough Council’s Licensing Committee.
“The situation is being closely monitored and we are working closely with North Wales Police, the Highways department and the tram operators.”
New signage has been installed and junctions have been re-marked.
Anyone who wishes to discuss any concerns regarding the area can contact PC Lowri Jones or PCSO Gail Starr at Llandudno Police Station on 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).
Photograph: (from left to right): PC Lowri Jones, PCSO Gail Starr, Neil Jones – Tramway Manager, Martin Roberts and Samantha Jones from Conwy County Borough Council’s Licensing Department
