Police and traffic officers to closely monitor roads in North Wales as traffic expected to increase following lockdown easing

Joint partnership work between North Wales Police and Traffic Wales to help improve road safety will be underway this weekend, the first weekend since travel restrictions were lifted here in Wales.

An officer from the roads policing unit will be located at the traffic management centre in Conwy working alongside control room operatives closely monitoring traffic cameras throughout the weekend.

There are approximately 260 cameras across the trunk road network in Wales which help to identify potential problems on the roads.

This not only improves the safety of the travelling public but also helps to safeguard the local communities where the trunk roads travel through.

Traffic volumes are expected to increase this weekend as restrictions are eased and warmer weather is forecast.

This could lead to an increase in incidents on the north and mid Wales roads, particularly along the major A55 and A470 routes.

It hoped that this collaborative working approach will not only enable a more efficient and expedient response to incidents, but also to help reduce the risk of them happening in the first place.

Sergeant Trystan Bevan of the roads policing unit said: “By placing one of our officers in the Traffic Wales control room it will allow both agencies to respond quickly to incidents and help keep the travelling public safe.

“Many drivers may not have needed to drive long distances for a while, but if journeys are being planned please make sure your vehicle is roadworthy to avoid unnecessary accidents on the roads. Look at oil and fuel levels, tyre pressure, tread depth and your lights.

“We’re working hard with our partners across the region to ensure everyone’s safety and our patrols across the region’s roads will be ongoing.”

Working in partnership, North Wales Police, Dyfed Powys Police and the Welsh Government’s Traffic Wales service work closely together on a routine and day-to-day basis to maintain the safety of drivers and the public and keep the roads running smoothly.

This is done by utilising information-sharing technologies and continually updating their joint incident management response protocols.