New traffic lights have been installed at one of Wales' trickiest roundabouts and residents claim it's made things even worse.
The change was introduced by South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA) on behalf of the Welsh Government, but residents have argued it's made the roundabout "extremely dangerous" and that the change will cause "congestion issues".
Anyone learning to drive will probably be very familiar with Briton Ferry Roundabout, which is one of the major connecting access routes between the M4, Neath Port Talbot and Swansea and is on at least one of the driving test routes. You'll find it on the A48 east of that road's junction with the A483 to Swansea and the M4. You can get more Swansea and Neath Port Talbot news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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More than one learner has probably come a cropper here, but the roundabout can be confusing for anyone, with multiple lanes you have to choose between depending on which of the exits you are taking. It sounds no different from any other roundabout, but only when you've been on it for the first time, or even the 100th, will you understand what a tricky customer it is.
The new lights have been installed on the A48 entry into the roundabout but they have sparked widespread concern and criticism on social media with some asking, "who thought this was a good idea".
Speaking about the changes, Cllr Peter Richards said "We have had major congestion problems on the roundabout for many years on specific parts - the old road leading out of McDonald's which I would assume would be the reason for this change, the other parts had been moving smoothly.
The Baglan ward councillor added that the changes would take time for people to adjust to and indicated it would also take time to fully recognise how good or bad the change would be for drivers. "There has been a huge interest on social media surrounding it and people can be critical of Welsh Government spending money on things but it is too early to say. I think people need time to adjust to it" he added.
But after pictures of the changes circulated on social media, some questioned "what it achieves". Gillian Owen said: "Only two cars can get through and by the time it changes to green, the other cars behind are still at the previous set, causing total chaos". Lisa Hughes argued that the new changes caused "absolute choas" and found the roundabout "extremely dangerous" after driving on it.
A number of comments on social media were directed towards the lights changing "so quickly" and said it could potentially create accidents in the future. Others criticised the use of public money. Jamie Morgan said: "Never seen anything so ridiculous in my life. Working man being stung again," suggesting the money would be better spent elsewhere.
Responding to the criticism, the Welsh Government confirmed alterations had been made in response to concerns, and more could follow.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “This scheme was undertaken to upgrade old traffic signal control equipment and associated infrastructure. We are aware that some motorists have had an issue with an element of the new traffic light system which the contractor has worked to resolve. The contractor will be returning to the site to review the signal timings. In the meantime, the South Wales Trunk Road Agent will continue to monitor the operation of the junction.”
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