A notorious stretch of road in Carmarthenshire, Wales, the A48 between Carmarthen and Pont Abraham, has been highlighted as a concerning crash hotspot. Recent figures have indicated a disturbing trend of increasing accidents rather than improvements in road safety on this double carriageway. Tragic incidents have occurred, including a fatal crash in November which resulted in the deaths of three individuals between Cross Hands and Pont Abraham, and another collision in the same month claiming the life of a 90-year-old person near Cwmgwili. These events have reignited calls for urgent action to address the safety issues on this 15-mile long road.
Statistics obtained through a freedom of information (FOI) request from Dyfed-Powys Police have revealed that in just one year, between October 2023 and September 2024, there were a staggering 169 crashes on the A48. The most accident-prone section was identified as the six-mile stretch between Pensarn Roundabout and the junction for Llanddarog, which saw 38 collisions within 12 months. Taking a broader perspective over nearly a decade, from January 2015 to September 2024, the entire carriageway between Pensarn and Pont Abraham witnessed a total of 1,296 crashes, with the segment between Pensarn and Llanddarog being particularly hazardous with 301 incidents during this period.
These concerning figures indicate a worsening situation compared to previous years, as data from six years ago pointed to 871 collisions between Pensarn and Pont Abraham over nearly a decade, with instances of six crashes occurring in a single day in February 2018. Despite the speed limit being set at 70mph, similar to the neighbouring M4 motorway, the A48 lacks many typical motorway features. For instance, there are multiple junctions without slip roads, several laybys, bus stops, and legal crossing points, all contributing to the complexity and potential dangers for drivers on this route.
In response to these alarming statistics and the ongoing safety concerns, the Welsh Government initiated a WelTAG study in 2020 specifically focusing on the safety of the A48 between Pensarn Roundabout and Cross Hands Roundabout. However, no significant changes have been implemented on the road since then, prompting calls from MS Adam Price, representing the Carmarthen East and Dinefwr constituency, for more proactive measures to enhance road safety. The Welsh Government reiterated its commitment to road safety, highlighting an upcoming road safety scheme for the A48 between Cross Hands and Carmarthen, which is expected to include various improvements after consultation.
The persistence of road incidents on the A48 underscores the urgent need for comprehensive safety measures to protect motorists and reduce the frequency of accidents on this troubled route. The collective efforts of authorities, including the Welsh Government, local councils, and relevant agencies, are crucial in addressing the identified safety issues and implementing effective solutions to make the A48 a safer road for all users. As the community continues to advocate for improvements, the focus remains on preventing further tragedies and creating a safer driving environment along this critical transportation corridor in Carmarthenshire.