**Long-standing Campaigns Spark Review of Controversial 50mph Limit in Pembrokeshire Village**
After a sustained effort from local residents, Pembrokeshire County Council is now formally considering lowering the 50mph speed limit that runs through the village of Square and Compass, situated on the well-travelled A487 between Fishguard and St Davids. Years of worry over safety and community risk have driven a new momentum to reassess whether the current limit is appropriate for the unique needs of this rural village.
The road in question has been a focal point for concerns, particularly due to its proximity to family homes, local businesses, and busy community spots. A recent petition, spearheaded by resident Emma Tannahill, has gathered notable support. The campaign drew in 127 digital signatures via the council’s own website, alongside an additional 152 endorsements collected on paper, highlighting strong local agreement that something needs to change.
At the heart of the residents’ case is the vulnerability of families and young children in the area. Square and Compass is not just a thoroughfare for commuters—it is home to working adults, schoolchildren, and an active cycling community. The petition dramatically underscores these concerns, pointing to the Croes Goch Primary School bus route that stops on this very stretch of road, further compounding the risk of high-speed traffic encounters with children.
The stretch is also essential for those accessing key village amenities. The popular Croes Goch petrol station and the Torbant caravan site, both attracting significant vehicular and pedestrian movement, sit directly by the 50mph road. According to Ms Tannahill and fellow campaigners, the high permitted speed creates an unacceptable risk for locals and visitors negotiating entry and exit from these facilities.
The area is also serviced by a community pub and a public bus stop, which, much to the surprise of council members, are adjacent to the high-speed zone. During a recent scrutiny committee meeting, the chair, Councillor Mark Carter, acknowledged his astonishment after driving the route himself, deeming the 50mph limit “bizarre.” He noted that comparable roads in other villages have already been subject to lower limits, sometimes even as restrictive as 20mph.
With these mounting concerns gaining traction, Pembrokeshire County Council has now initiated a public consultation to explore the possibility of reducing the speed limit from 50mph to 40mph along the contested section, from Mesur-y-dorth to the lower end of Square and Compass. Local member Councillor Neil Prior praised the perseverance of the community, expressing hope that the consultation process will lead to safer conditions and a better quality of life for residents. He emphasised the consultation as the result of “years of work and campaigning.”
The official consultation document directly addresses the findings of the speed limit review, stating that a reduction to 40mph would better ensure the safety of all road users. Their rationale is rooted in achieving “a safe and consistent speed distribution” along this busy route, as well as promoting safe navigation of turns, accesses, and junctions interspersed throughout the village.
Community members and local representatives alike await the outcome of the consultation, hoping for meaningful change. If adopted, supporters believe the proposed reduction will not only curb accident risks but also encourage more walking and cycling confidence among families and visitors—a step towards a safer, healthier rural community.
This review stands as a testament to the impact persistent local advocacy can have on public policy. It also mirrors broader national conversations about balancing the mobility needs of rural communities with the fundamental imperative of public safety.
As the Pembrokeshire consultation continues, all eyes remain on the council’s final decision—one that will directly affect the everyday lives and sense of security of those living in Square and Compass. The campaigners’ efforts serve as a reminder of the vital role of citizen engagement in shaping local infrastructure and safety standards.