Paul Bogie from Melksham sent us this tip in June 2009:
Paul:"As an ex lorry driver that used to travel between Llanidloes and Herford evrey week.There is another way round Rhayder avioding tuning left at the clock tower. If you turn left at the sports centre then turn right go along there and turn right down the hill and turn left you are then on your way towards Hereford, the only problem with this it is not sign posted and should be. I have been in a simular situation as the lorry in the picture. So put up some signs and give lorries the information, and protect this lovely clock tower from being moved."
Keith from Rhayader sent us this message in November 2009:
Keith:"My wife has two shops, one in Llanidloes, one in Rhayader. Llanidloes became a 'forgotten' town once it was bypassed, and has never really recovered. Bypassing Rhayader would be a good thing in respect of HGVs, but a link road from the bypass to the Elan Valley will end the 'impulse buying' type of trade in the town. So many people currently stop off in the car parks for a meal and a 'browse' whilst commuting North / South. By-passing us will see them stopping in Builth Wells. There needs to be a carefully worked out decision on the needs of the infrastructure, residents and businesses of the town as a whole, not just focused on transport."
Kevin Twaite from Toronto, Canada joined the debate in June 2009:
Kevin:"Building more roads leads to more traffic. Powys already has one of the highest car usage rates in the UK. Let government invest in improvements to public transport this would be a better idea.
The axing of railway lines has led to road congestion and pollution."
Thomas Crooks from Belfast joined the debate in February 2009:
Thomas:"Most definitly needs a bypass.Being from Ireland I would not go to Mid Wales without visiting Rhayader.The only thing to keep me out of this beautiful villege is not being able to park."
Trevor Hreidarrsson's point is short and to the point:
Travor: "We dont need a bypass its fine as it is. We need the trade."
Simon Roberts from Rhayader points out how long this topic has been an issue in the town.
Simon:"Being as I've live in Rhayader 51 years now if it is remembered rightly a petitition was signed more than 30 years ago against such an idea as having a bypass. Besides in our lane (Cross Lane) with such signs stating "Except for Access" for the last 6 years or more disobeyed motorists use or seem to use Cross Lane as a bypass!"
Emma from Rhayader supports the creation of a new by-pass.
Emma:" I think Rhayader needs a bypass. If people want to come into Rhayader they will continue to do so, the big lorries that very often get stuck by the clock are only passing through anyway. I think a bypass will just remove the traffic congestion from Rhayader not the visitors. the weather will do that."
Phil from Rhayader believes that using the old railway line could provide the blueprint ffor a new road.
Phil:"Someone above has mentioned that the road between Llanwrthyl and Rhayader is excellent, that is because it was built on the old railway line from builth road to St Harmon. The railway line still exists past the town of Rhayader, from the nice straight bits to the south of the town, to the straight bit North of the town, a new road along this would give a panoramic view of the town and valley as well as relieving through traffic."
Anthony from Rhayader is opposed to a bypass:
"Do we need to fork out millions on a bypass? Surely we should try and find a solution that involves better signs and traffic lights before we carve up the countryside? Traffic lights could be part-time in the daytime only so that traffic can more freely at night etc....The clock is less of an issue as I see it - congestion of north/south traffic is the issue - South street is very narrow and the idiots who still park on North street (where there is a single yellow line) - are part of the problem as they prevent two lorries passing safely."
Derek Price supports the installation of a bypass.
"We have a permanent caravan at Doldowlod 4 miles south of Rhayader. While we consider the town to be of historic importance and a lovely place to visit every time we descend to the van, we do not feel that a bypass would " cut off" the visitor capacity, in fact it would probably increase with the lack of lorries and heavy traffic. The drivers think its a nightmare trying to get through especially from North to East and across to the South, and the attraction of the Elan valley and beyond is ever present and would improve with less congestion.
Whether a parking fee would help we are not so sure !"
Sue from Rhayader advocates an alternative route for larger vehicles:
"I think that Rhayader needs an alternative route for HGV and coaches. Cars and smaller vehicles have no problem negotiating the town centre. A bypass would kill local businesses and make our bustling community into a ghost town. Clearer road markings would help too - or traffic lights. At present things are a bit too complicated."
Tim Nicholls from Rhayader wants to move the town clock from its present site:
"I live in Rhayader and have done so for nearly 10 years. I am in no doubt Rhayder needs something doing about the traffic problem. A bypass may not be needed if the clock was moved to the site by Evans garage. Here it would still be in town and the hgv's could get round the corner and on remeberance day they would not have to shut the A470 and the A44 while the service is carried out and at Christmas time the carols sung around the tree and clock would be safer as they would now be off the main road.
I understand that it is part of Rhayader history but so was the market building. But it was removed to ease traffic and for the clock to be built. It's time to modonise Rhayader again and drag it into the 21st century.
"
Angela Finch from Chelmsford believes that traffic lights wouldn't improve the situation:
"I have known and loved Rhayader for many years and have witnessed the lorries trying to manoeuvre round the clock. In my view it is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs. I do understand the point about loss of passing trade but to be honest the lorries don't stop, unless delivering something, of course and would no doubt welcome an alternative route round the town. Other drivers who genuinely want to stop and shop will continue to do so, as will those passing through on their way to the Elan Valley. I can't see the shops suffering at all, in fact there could be more trade, if it is easier to get into the town without fear of being caught up in an accident with a lorry."
Sue Williams from Bridgend doesn't want to see the character of the town changed:
"Although I don't live in Rhayader I do stay in this lovely town most weekends. I agree that the heavy lorries which travel through the town do create a huge problem when trying to manoeuvre around the clock. But my point is, how will traffic lights improve this situation? I doubt it will, all it will do is spoil the quaintness of this beautiful town. After all, that is what visitors travelling from built up industrial towns find so delightful about the area. If a bypass is built surely the lorry drivers will be only too glad to use it and the visitors who come to see the dams in the Elan Valley will continue to use the existing route. Therefore the shops in the town shouldn't suffer at all. After all, how many of these lorries do you see parked up in the streets with the drivers buying anything? They just drive through and don't stop. Please think long and hard about changing this town too drastically, if you do it will end up just like everywhere else with yellow lines everywhere, traffic lights on every corner and the unique atmosphere of Rhayader will be gone forever!"
Sian from Llandrindod Wells is in no doubt about the need for a bypass:
"Rhayader most definitely needs a bypass. I don't think a day goes by where the town doesn't come to a standstill due to lorries struggling to get past the clock - either that or, if the council won't do that, then a traffic light system from each way because it's just getting worse and worse."
Andrew from Boston suggests introducing parking restrictions:
"I have known this town for many years. It has now got to the stage on some summer days when it is nearly gridlocked. I would hate to see local trade lose any of what they have but I do think the main street should be no parking on both sides. People just won't walk anymore."
Claire from Rhayader asks whether the town would lose trade:
"Yeah I think a by-pass would be great, lived there 18 years, and town can get really busy. But would we lose trade?"
John Amos from Nottingham thinks Rhayader relies upon its passing trade:
"I'm not sure if a bypass in Rhayader is a good idea. Being a small town it relies a lot on passing trade. Maybe painting a mini roundabout would help ease the confusion at the crossroads but it wouldn't solve the problem of too much traffic."
Rob from Llanidloes strikes a note of caution:
"Beware of by pass plans. Llani is now a village. By-pass is what it says - forgotten, no traffic, no people. No people, no business. Beware!"
Catherine from Rhayader thinks traffic lights would prevent confusion:
"I agree that the lorries have to be encouraged to avoid the crossroads with the memorial clock, after all from the East there is another way to the South via Dark Lane; and that traffic lights or at the very least stop lines on all 4 roads to prevent confusion on right of way would make a difference. The A470 and A44 do need serious re-vamping in many areas. It is a pity that such a good road past Llanwrthwl Bridge suddenly becomes a tiny narrow road offset from the northern exit and it completely clogs up."
Anon from Rhayader thinks a bypass would be a waste of money:
"I agree the traffic through Rhayader is bad, sometimes dangerous - but a bypass? I don't know about the traffic choking Rhayader, build a bypass and I think that it will choke the very last bit of life out of the town! Instead of wasting ££'s building a road around the town why not just improve those within it? Parking needs to be looked at, road condition and width should be tackled along with traffic lights on the crossroads! The clock isn't much help either - I know people say "we can't move it, it's a memorial", but if we don't move it soon a lorry will do it for us!"
Myfanwy Alexander from Llanfair Caereinion says a bypass would help:
"I travel regularly from Llanfair Caereinion to Cardiff and, whilst it's always a pleasure to drive though this pretty town, a bypass would prevent us through travellers from clogging up the town. It would make our journeys quicker and give less inconvenience to local residents: market day is a nightmare!"
Letty from Penpedairheol near Rhayader says a bypass is not the only option:
"Why not think about traffic lights to maybe solve the traffic flow problems in the middle of Rhayader. A lot of places have gone the by-pass route and virtually killed off the trade within the town."
Rob Price from Rhayader says parking needs to be tackled first:
"North street has to become a no parking area as does west street at least as far as the Spar front door. This one easy move would enable heavy traffic to flow and manoeuvre more freely. But as the county council are going to impose parking charges in the town car park I fear this will only make more people park in town and make the problem worse."
Adrienne from Brecon is in favour of a by-pass - especially for lorries:
"I drive through Rhayader regularly and find the road layout around the clock very confusing, as do other drivers who are not 'locals'. Also, I have had long delays due to lorries trying to get through the middle of Rhayader. Every time I drive through, I think 'this town needs an alternative route for lorries'."
Val Thomas lives just 50 yards from the clock in the centre of Rhayader and feels strongly that something needs to be done.
"It is not the clock that is the hazard but the wide heavy articulated lorries, plus the increased volume of traffic. When you put these facts together with the selfish behaviours of some drivers, not taking any notice of the halt and give way commands on the north/south A470. Precedence should be given to the traffic approaching from the east. Due to the shortsightedness of our local councillors, in the past, we lost the iniative, in having a say in which way a by-pass should go. We could have had the opportunity of a by-pass going to the east giving easy access to the indusrial site for incoming raw materials and outgoing manufactured goods. This would enable tourists to enter Rhayader, access the beautiful Elan Valley and beyond, hassle free, fume free and sound pollution free. Imagine pedestrianised areas, safe for locals and tourists alike. I would argue that when tourists see the congestion on our streets, they are more likely to pass on through, I know I do when I am out and about in my leisure time"
John Duggan from St Albans feels that a bypass could ease congestion in places like Talgarth which he's known for more than 20 years.
"In such rural areas, a car is an essential. Forty foot plus monsters should be removed and their contents put on rail but sadly it will never happen. Perhaps people would campaign for the reinstatement of the Mid Wales railway line."
David from Llandrindod Wells feels that Mid Wales roads in general need upgrading :
"Not only Rhayader needs a by-pass but the state of both the A470 and the A44 need major reviews. Mid Wales is getting left behind commercially because of the years of neglect of these roads by Westminster and, more recently, Cardiff. Poor, slow roads discourage inward investment and to a more limited extent, tourism. Mid Wales will remain an economic backwater until these roads are significantly upgraded."
Gareth from Talgarth has some advice for those who want a bypass for Rhayader:
"Talgarth has just been promised a bypass to be started by 2005 after decades of hard campaigning. Talgarth has two 90 degree bends in the town centre and very narrow streets. Shops and houses are continuously hit by lorries, and it is dangerous for pedestrians. I suggest that like Talgarth you put together a video of incidents or near misses to show to the Welsh Assembly or something."
Rhodri from Llanwrtyd Wells doesn't think Rhayader needs a bypass:
"I think a bypass would be using a sledgehammer to crack a nut. All that is required is some common sense on the part of road-users who should leave the cars behind if their journey isn't essential".
Maggie kicked off the discussion with this email raising concerns about the amount of traffic passing through Rhayader:
"Rhayader is in desperate need of a bypass. The volume of traffic trying to go through this town is vast, also the size of vehicles are far bigger now than when the roads were first built. The town clock is a major hazard in the town and it is only a matter of time before it is seriously damaged. The time to stop talking and do is right now before we see a major incident in the town."
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