Driving instructor four times over limit was on his way to collect pupil for lesson

Timothy Howells, 54, was arrested after his car was found in a roadside ditch on the A484 between Pembrey and Kidwelly at around 7.38am on Friday, 20 February.

Officers who attended the single-vehicle collision reported that Howells appeared heavily intoxicated and an initial roadside breath test reading showed 110 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath.

He was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and taken into custody, where a second evidential breath test reading showed 132 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath — four times over the legal limit of 35 micrograms.

In interview, Howells admitted that when he was arrested by officers, he was on his way to collect a pupil for a driving lesson.

Howells appeared at Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 24 February, where he was sentenced to eight weeks in custody, suspended for 18 months.

Chief Inspector Christina Fraser from Dyfed-Powys Police said the case was an excellent example of teamwork by officers in removing a heavily intoxicated man in a position of great trust and responsibility from the road.

“Excellent example of teamwork by our officers in removing a heavily intoxicated man in a position of great trust and responsibility off the road; safeguarding both his driving school pupil and other drivers from a very high risk of serious harm,” Chief Inspector Fraser said.

The legal drink-drive limit in England and Wales is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath. Howells’ reading of 132 was nearly four times this limit.

Driving instructors are required to hold an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) licence from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), which can be revoked if the holder is convicted of certain offences including drink driving.

#A484 #drinkDriving #drivingInstructor #DyfedPowysPolice #Kidwelly #motoring #RoadTrafficAccident

Continuous ribbon of housing could stretch from Penllergaer to Gowerton as new 600‑home scheme unveiled

The new scheme

Planning consultants Lichfields have lodged a request for a screening opinion with Swansea Council on behalf of Persimmon. The 45‑hectare site, bisected by Swansea Road (B4560), could deliver:

  • Up to 600 homes (mainly 2–4 bedroom houses, some flats up to four storeys).
  • A local centre with shops and flats above.
  • A community orchard and allotments.
  • An active travel route linking through the site and across the River Llan, connecting into the neighbouring Fairwood Terrace site. This would be a walking and cycling link only – not a vehicular road.
Map showing Persimmon’s proposed housing developments between Fforestfach, Waunarlwydd and Gowerton, including links to the Fairwood Terrace site and their position opposite Parc Mawr in Penllergaer.
(Image: Litchfields)

Opposite Parc Mawr on the A484

The site’s northern boundary fronts the A484, directly opposite the Parc Mawr development in Penllergaer, where Bellway and Barratt are building around 1,000 homes, a school and a new link road to the A483/M4.

If both proceed, the A484 would effectively become the spine of a continuous growth corridor, with large housing estates on both sides of the road.

Fairwood Terrace controversy

Just to the west, Persimmon’s Fairwood Terrace scheme for around 230 homes beside Gowerton railway station was refused by councillors in 2024 on traffic grounds, despite officer support.

That decision followed fierce local opposition, with nearly 900 objection letters and a 300‑signature petition. Residents warned the development would overwhelm already congested junctions. Persimmon has since appealed to the Welsh Government, and the case is now with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales.

The new Fforestfach/Waunarlwydd site is designed to link into Fairwood Terrace via the active travel route, knitting the two schemes together.

Other major schemes nearby

The Fforestfach proposal adds to a cluster of large developments already reshaping north‑west Swansea:

  • Garden Village, Gorseinon (Persimmon): More than 700 homes under construction, with a school, park and community facilities.
  • Parc Mawr, Penllergaer (Bellway/Barratt): Around 850 homes, a school and a new link road between Gorseinon Road and the A483.
  • Pentref Llewelyn, Penllergaer (Barratt): Over 150 homes north of Penllergaer, adjoining Parc Mawr.
  • Fairwood Terrace, Gowerton (Persimmon): 230 homes refused, now under appeal.
  • Chapel Fields, Loughor (Barratt): 115 homes across two phases on land south of Glebe Road, backing onto the A484.

The cumulative picture

If all of these schemes proceed, the corridor from Penllergaer through Gorseinon, Waunarlwydd and Gowerton could see close to 3,000 new homes built.

That scale of growth would amount to a new town the size of Loughor or Pontarddulais, stitched together along the A484. Campaigners argue the cumulative impact on traffic, schools, GP surgeries and green space cannot be ignored.

At a glance: the A484 housing corridor

DevelopmentLocationDeveloperHomesStatusParc MawrPenllergaer – bounded by the A4240 (north), A483 (east) and A484 (south)Bellway850 (184 in first phase)Under construction (phased)Pentref LlewelynOpposite Parc Mawr, PenllergaerBarratt / David Wilson Homes166Approved, partly built outGarden VillageNorth‑west of GorseinonPersimmon705Under constructionFairwood TerraceBeside Gowerton railway stationPersimmon216Refused (2024), now under appealFforestfach / WaunarlwyddSouth of A484, directly opposite Parc MawrPersimmonUp to 600Pre‑planning (screening opinion lodged)Chapel FieldsLand south of Glebe Road, Loughor (backing onto A484)Barratt Homes115 (92 + 23 in second phase)Phase 1 under construction; Phase 2 approved

Total potential homes across corridor: around 2,650

What is a screening opinion?

Under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations, large developments may need a full Environmental Impact Assessment if they are likely to have significant environmental effects.

A screening opinion is the council’s formal decision on whether an EIA is required. Developers submit details of the site, the proposal and potential impacts, and the council decides if a full EIA must accompany any future planning application.

In this case, Persimmon argue that impacts can be managed through mitigation measures such as drainage schemes, ecological surveys and construction management plans, so a full EIA is not necessary. Swansea Council will issue its decision within 21 days.

Next steps

If the council rules that no EIA is required, Persimmon can move ahead with a full planning application for the site. If an EIA is required, the process will be longer and more detailed.

Either way, the proposals will eventually go before Swansea Council’s planning committee, where councillors will weigh the scheme against local and national planning policies — and the views of residents.

Related Articles

Correction: This article originally stated that the Pentref Llewelyn development in Penllergaer comprised around 400 homes. The approved planning consent is for 166 homes. No additional phases have been submitted or approved at this stage.

#A4240 #A483 #A484 #construction #FairwoodTerrace #featured #GardenVillage #Gowerton #LDP #newHomes #Penllergaer #PersimmonHomes #planningApplication #screeningOption #StrategicSite #Swansea #Waunarlwydd

Motorcyclist dies after crash closes major Swansea route for more than 10 hours

Emergency services were called to the A484 at Gorseinon just after 8pm on Thursday (25 September). Despite the efforts of the Fire Service, Welsh Ambulance Service and South Wales Police’s Roads Policing Unit, the rider of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene.

South Wales Police said the man’s family are being supported by specially trained officers and the coroner has been informed.

Road closed overnight

The crash led to the closure of the A484 in both directions between Tesco Fforestfach roundabout and Garngoch roundabout. Police warned drivers to avoid the area, with diversions causing heavy congestion on surrounding routes including Swansea Road.

The road remained closed for more than 10 hours while collision investigators examined the scene. It was confirmed reopened shortly before 10am on Friday morning.

Appeal for witnesses

A South Wales Police spokesperson said:

“Officers received a report of a collision involving a motorcycle and a car on the A484 at Gorseinon just after 8pm on Thursday September 25. Despite the efforts of the Fire Service, Ambulance and Roads Policing Unit, the rider of the motorcycle – a man in his 60s – died at the scene. The coroner is aware and the man’s family is being supported by trained officers.”

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the crash to come forward, quoting reference 2500308050.

More news from Gorseinon

Builder donation helps support community cricket in Gorseinon
Persimmon Homes West Wales has donated £2,000 to Gorseinon Cricket Club to support grassroots sport and new equipment.

New banking hub confirmed for Gorseinon
Cash Access UK will open a shared banking hub in the town to ensure residents and businesses continue to have face‑to‑face services.

Lloyds Bank to close Ammanford and Gorseinon branches in 2026
Lloyds has confirmed its Gorseinon branch will shut in October 2026 as part of a UK‑wide programme of closures.

Health Board insists Gorseinon Hospital will not close
Swansea Bay UHB says the hospital remains a key part of its estate, despite temporary changes to in‑patient services.

#A484 #fatalAccident #featured #GardenVillage #Garngoch #Gorseinon #motorbike #RoadTrafficAccident #SouthWalesPolice

Work to unjam Llanelli’s Sandy Road traffic blackspot to start in July

The junction on the A484 at Maes-y-Coed regularly jams up with traffic during peak times caused by traffic waiting to turn right at traffic signals installed as part of the Stradey Park housing development.

The council says it has consulted extensively on plans to improve the junction layout, which it has further tweaked following feedback from the public.

Planned changes include the provision of a dedicated right-turn lane from the A484 Sandy Road onto Maes-Y-Coed, and enhancements to existing active travel facilities including the installation of a new controlled crossing on the Maes-Y-Coed, and the introduction of advanced stop lines for cyclists.

The proposed road layout on the A484 Sandy Road junction with Maes-y-Coed
(Image: Carmarthenshire Council)

The proposals result in a total loss of six parking spaces along the A484 Sandy Road, either side of the Maes-Y-Coed. 

Temporary lane closures along the A484 Sandy Road will be in place for work to be carried out, along with a full closure of Maes-Y-Coed extending up to, but not including, the private lanes located behind the adjacent properties. 

Carmarthenshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services – Cllr Edward Thomas said:

“I would like to thank everyone who engaged with us on this very important project to positively impact the air quality, road safety, traffic flow and environmental attractiveness of Sandy Road.

“The mix of views we have gathered at the engagement events and online consultation evidences the challenging nature of the scheme and need to arrive at the most appropriate solution possible for all stakeholders.

“Several options for this scheme have been considered over the past few years, however, we feel assured that this is the most appropriate solution to implement given the funding available to us, the current transport policy landscape and the analysis undertaken to date.

“To minimise disruption locally, we intend to carry out the improvement works during the school summer holiday, July to September,”

Locals have called for alternative solutions, including the removal of the traffic lights and restricting right turns onto Maes-y-Coed Road.

The council have said this is not an option due to traffic volumes and the space needed for larger vehicles safely turn into Maes-y-Coed. It added that without traffic lights vehicles attempting to enter and exit Maes-Y-Coed would face significant challenges, leading to increased congestion and potential safety hazards.

It says the traffic lights help regulate the flow of vehicles, ensuring that traffic moves smoothly and safely through the junction.

#A484 #CarmarthenshireCouncil #featured #Llanelli #SandyRoad

Councils in South West Wales to get £27m boost to improve local transport

The grants from the Welsh Government will fund projects that improve the condition of local roads and address disruptions caused by severe weather; pilot new bus services and upgrade bus journey times and waiting facilities; and make it easier for people to walk, cycle and use wheelchairs.

It will also fund the installation of more publicly available electric vehicle charging points; the creation of safer routes for children to travel to schools; and improve road safety.

Swansea

Swansea Council will receive core transport funding of £1.11 million, plus £50,000 for the Clyne Common Active Travel scheme to provide a safe cycling and walking route from Bishopston and Murton across the common.

There is £600,000 for a ‘Northern City Link’ that would see improvements made to the A483 North of Cadle along Carmarthen Road, through Dyfatty and High Street to its junction with Welcome Lane in the city centre. This includes remodelling the busy Dyfatty junction, bus priority measures along the whole route as well as improvements for walking and cycling. The grant money would be for a traffic modelling exercise to look at the potential impacts of any changes to the road network.

£500,000 is to go towards work on the Swansea Bay and West Wales Metro. Swansea will act as host authority for the region with projects including the creation of a new Regional Transport Plan covering all of the local authorities in South West Wales.

There is £380,000 towards plans for a multi-modal transport interchange at the Dairy Car Park in Mumbles, with funding going towards talking to the community and business owners about the proposed design and engaging with landowners affected by the proposals.

Flood alleviation measures on the A4118 Gower Road in Killay and on the same road between Scurlage and Llandew will see £265,000 of grant funding from Welsh Government.

There’s also £333,700 for motorcycle safety provision, £205,000 for implementation of 20mph speed limits, £60,000 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £30,900 for National Standards Cycle Training and £3,250 for Bike Safe training.

There’s £208,700 of safe routes in communities funding for Penllergaer and

£233,500 for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The council will also adopt Cae Rowland St in Manselton thanks to £80,000 of grant funding.

Neath Port Talbot

Neath Port Talbot Council will receive core transport funding of £716,000, plus £990,000 for phase 1 of the Neath to Cilma active travel route.

There’s £730,000 for Cymmer carriageway improvements, £440,000 towards plans for an Integrated Transport Hub in Neath outside of Neath Train Station and £1.6 million to deal with drainage and flooding issues on the A483 Fabian Way.

There’s road safety grants of £890,000 for the A4241 between Harbourway and Rutherglen and £220,000 for the B4242 Ynysygerwn to Glynneath.

In addition, there’s £14,000 for Dragon Rider motorcycle training, £12,180 for Pass Plus driver training, £6,700 for National Standards Cycle Training, £5,600 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £5,500 for Mega Drive pre-driver training for ages 16 to 18, £3,720 for First Responder (FBOS), £3,500 for Drive for Life, £3,000 for level 3 National Standards Cycle Training.

£50,000 will go towards creating a safe route between Coed Darcy and Skewen.

Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire Council will receive core funding of £732,000, plus £1.14 million for a replacement for Black Bridge in Llanelli that would see the construction of a new ramped access and shared use bridge for cycling and walking linking to previously completed routes to Trostre and Halfway with access to Pentre Awel and the Millenium Coastal Path.

There’s also £2.05 million towards the proposed Llanelli Interchange at the train station, as well as £574,000 for the A484 Sandy Road improvement scheme.

The council will get £1.5 million for highway drainage improvements across the county, as well as £520,000 for safety improvements to the B4304 Station Road and New Dock Road in Llanelli.

There’s £450,000 for the implementation of 20mph speed limits, £41,500 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £34,000 for active travel and road safety training, £28,120 for National Standards Cycle Training, £5,880 for Dragon Rider motorcycle training and £4,200 for Biker Down motorcycle training.

A safe routes in communities scheme in Five Roads will also receive £712,305.

Pembrokeshire

Pembrokeshire Council will receive core transport funding of £500,000, plus £802,880 for Saundersfoot shared use paths at Stammers and Frances Road.

There’s also £6.07 million towards the Milford Haven Transport Interchange project which sees improvement works to the existing Milford Haven train station to create a new public transport interchange, by relocating the existing rail platform and providing a dedicated bus interchange between the station and retail area, along with a, taxi rank, formalised car park, public realm spaces and improved Active Travel links.

£1.1 million will go towards projects in Newgale, including rerouting the Newgale section of the A487, creating a new walking and cycling path through the village, changing access to the beach and coastal businesses and releasing space for the beach to naturally adapt to coastal change.

In addition there is £39,200 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training, £32,080 for National Standards Cycle Training, £3,500 for Mature Driver training for ages 65 and over, £2,520 for Dragon Rider motorcycle training and £1,200 for Biker Down courses.

£500,000 has been given to the council towards EV Charger Network rationalisation and £84,000 for the council to adopt Mayfield Acres in Kilgetty.

Responding to the Welsh Government grant, Pembrokeshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services Cllr Rhys Sinnett said: “This is tremendous news for Milford Haven and allows us to move forward on a scheme that has been in development over a number of years. Not only will this significantly help the overall look of the station approach, it will also hopefully lead to better connectivity along the network for our own residents and also encourage more tourist visits. As this is an interchange scheme, it will also help us link up buses and taxis in a more seamless way.”

Bridgend County

Bridgend County Borough Council will receive core transport funding of £707,000 from Welsh Government, plus £119,000 for phase 1 of the council’s Pen y Fai active travel scheme that looks to create a shared pedestrian and cycle track from the safe crossing point along Tondu Road into Bridgend town centre, including work to improve the A4063 Pen-Y-Fai Junction.

Other funding commitments include £226,000 for Bridgend Bus Station information displays and £357,000 for improvements to the A4061 from the Junction 36 on the M4 to Heol Canola, Sarn. There’s also £137,000 for improvements to the A4064 King Edward Street in Blaengarw.

Welsh Government have given Bridgend County Borough Council £208,689 for implementation of 20mph speed limits, £29,636 for Kerbcraft pedestrian training and £25,440 for National Standards Cycle Training.

There is also £104,000 for residential charge point initiative and £16,000 towards the adoption of Lakeview Close, Porthcawl.

Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Ken Skates, said: “Connecting communities and delivering better transport for all is at the heart of this £27 million investment. We want to make it easier for people to travel to work, school, healthcare and to see friends and family, while also building a more sustainable transport network for future generations.

“These improvements will make real differences to everyday journeys – whether that’s safer routes, better paths for walking, wheeling and cycling, or more reliable bus services. We’re working with councils to ensure this money delivers the greatest benefits to communities across Wales.”

#A4063 #A4118 #A4241 #A483 #A484 #ActiveTravel #B4304 #BridgendCouncil #CarmarthenRoad #Carmarthenshire #featured #GowerRoad #Junction36 #Llanelli #NeathPortTalbot #Newgale #Pembrokeshire #SandyRoad #StationRoad #Swansea #Transport #TransportInterchange #WelshGovernment

New transport hub proposed at Llanelli Train Station

Carmarthenshire Council have released plans for a new “multi-modal interchange” on land to the south of Llanelli Railway Station to create bus, walking, cycling, electric vehicle and parking facilities.

Swansea Bay News

Changes proposed to combat Sandy Road traffic in Llanelli

The junction at Maes-y-Coed regularly jams up with traffic during peak times caused by traffic waiting to turn right at traffic signals installed as part of the Stradey Park housing development.

The County Council is seeking the views of residents, businesses and road users on its proposal that it says will improve traffic flow along this key corridor, to and from Llanelli town centre.

The proposals include the creation of a dedicated right-turn lane for traffic heading onto Maes-y-Coed. It also includes enhancements to existing active travel facilities including the  installation of a new controlled crossing on the Maes-Y-Coed Road, and the introduction of advanced stop lines for cyclists.

Artist’s impression of Sandy Road improvements
(Image: Carmarthenshire Council)

The council says the scheme aims to improve air quality and access for all modes of transport to and from nearby Ysgol Y Strade, Furnace School and Coleg Sir Gar, as well as enhancing existing Active Travel facilities.

Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services – Cllr Edward Thomas said: “Carmarthenshire County Council, along with our regional partners are investing heavily in Llanelli as part of a commitment to develop the town as a healthy vibrant and attractive place to both live and work.

“As part of these efforts, the Council is developing a transport strategy for Llanelli which includes Highway and Active Travel improvements along the A484 Sandy Road Corridor. It is crucial, therefore, that the local community and road users feed into our strategy that aims to positively impact on air quality, safety for all road users, traffic flow, and environmental attractiveness.”

A public drop-in session will be hosted on Friday, 7 March 2025, between 10am and 7pm at Furnace Community Hall, Stradey Road, Furnace, Llanelli, SA15 4ET, where visitors can view plans of the proposal.

Feedback on the proposal can be left on the council’s website.

(Lead image: Google Maps)

#A484 #CarmarthenshireCouncil #Llanelli #SandyRoad #traffic

A484 Sandy Road Improvements (Sandy Road/Maes Y Coed) - Carmarthenshire County Council