**Residents of Pembrokeshire Village Push for Reduced Speed Limit Amid Safety Fears**
A spirited campaign to lower the speed limit on a major road running through a small Pembrokeshire village has sparked a groundswell of local support, as residents raise concerns about the safety of the current 50mph limit. The village of Square and Compass, located on the A487 between Fishguard and St Davids, has become the focal point of a debate over road safety, particularly in light of its proximity to family homes, a primary school, and several busy local amenities.
The movement gathered momentum after local resident Emma Tannahill launched a petition urging Pembrokeshire County Council to reduce the speed limit on the specific section of the A487 which passes by both a well-frequented pub and a public bus stop. The campaign, which quickly resonated with the community, managed to attract 127 signatures online, complemented by an additional 152 supporters signing a paper petition.
Campaigners argue that the current rate of traffic flow poses unnecessary risks for both residents and visitors, especially vulnerable road users such as children, cyclists, and pedestrians. The petition’s wording highlights the daily realities of village life, noting that a school bus serving Croes Goch Primary School regularly drops off children on the very stretch in question, heightening the potential for accidents.
Adding to the complexity, the road is also the main route to and from several key locations including the Croes Goch petrol station and Torbant caravan site, both of which generate frequent vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Local families are particularly concerned about the dangers posed by high-speed vehicles to those accessing these sites or simply moving about the village on foot or by bicycle.
According to the petitioners, the situation is exacerbated by the presence of young families supporting sustainable transport by cycling to and from school along the A487. The combination of high speeds, increased turning movements, and regular stops for fuel or accommodation raises new questions about the suitability of a 50mph speed limit on this stretch.
During a dedicated council scrutiny meeting, the petition and its associated evidence were subject to formal discussion. Committee chair, Councillor Mark Carter, shared his personal observations of driving through Square and Compass, saying he found the 50mph limit incongruous compared to neighbouring villages where limits of 40mph or even as low as 20mph are in place. This perspective seemed to echo the sentiments of many local residents who have witnessed near-misses and an overall sense of unease as they go about their daily routines.
Responding to the public pressure, Pembrokeshire County Council has since launched an official consultation, inviting comments from residents, road users, and stakeholders. Local councillor Neil Prior lauded the activism of campaigners, acknowledging the years of effort that have led to this review. He expressed hope that the proposed reduction to 40mph, spanning from Mesur-y-dorth to the southern end of Square and Compass, would not only help lower accident risks but also enhance the overall quality of life in the community.
In its consultation document, the council explained that a thorough speed review recommended reducing the limit. Their analysis concluded that a 40mph restriction would enable a more consistent and safer traffic flow, particularly given the number of junctions, property accesses, and the variety of road users along this segment of the A487.
The outcome of the consultation remains to be seen, yet residents and campaign organisers remain cautiously optimistic. The collective action serves as a reminder of the influence communities can have when they unite under a common cause. As traffic volumes and rural populations evolve, the debate in Square and Compass highlights broader issues of road safety, rural planning, and community empowerment—all of which are certain to inform similar discussions elsewhere in Wales and beyond.
For now, the focus remains on whether the local authority will heed the calls of its residents and take further steps to transform the A487 from a thoroughfare of concern into a safer, more accessible road for everyone.