Conwy County Borough Council
Local Authority / Fire Service
Action Planned
Conwy County Borough Council has agreed with the property owner to replace the railings to the right of the Waterloo Hill junction with a more suitable boundary treatment by March 31st, 2026. They have also conducted a route speed limit review for the A548 and propose to reduce the speed limit to 40mph, shortly to be advertised as a Traffic Regulation Order and proposing changes and improvements to traffic warning signs to be completed by March 31st 2026. (AI summary)
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Dear Mr. Gittins, Coroner’s Report to Prevent Future Deaths - Inquest of David Langford I am writing in response to your letter dated 11 December 2025 concerning the inquest into the death of David Langford resulting from a road traffic collision at the intersection of Waterloo Hill and the A548 near Llangernyw. The Regulation 28 Report issued by Kate Robertson, Assistant Coroner, noted that improvements had been made to visibility at the junction by removal of excess shrubbery and replacement of a visibility mirror. There remained, however, two outstanding concerns, to which the Council responds as follows:
1. The railings to the right of the junction are old and rusty and their position provides a barrier from view down the road. It was noted that Conwy County Borough Council had noted this and no action has yet been taken. These railings are privately owned and located on the property known as Pentre Smithy. The Council has approached the property owner and reached agreement to replace the railing with a more suitable boundary treatment, at the Council’s expense. This will be carried out by March 31st, 2026.
2. It was noted that the stretch of road in question is subject to a national speed limit and it is a concern that this high Speed does not account for the dangerous junction at Waterloo Hill. The Council has conducted a route speed limit review for the A548 between Llanfair TH and Llangernyw in accordance with national guidance (Setting of Local Speed Limits in Wales circular 24/2009). It is proposed to reduce the speed limit on the A548 to 40mph from a point 65 metres north of its junction with Cae Llan, Llangernyw to a point 45 metres east of the turning to Nant Mawr, a distance of approximately 4km (which includes the Waterloo Hill junction).
Adran Yr Amgylchedd, Ffyrdd a Chyfleusterau Environment, Roads & Facilities Department
Pennaeth Gwasanaeth Head of Service - Geraint Edwards, BEng(Hons) CEng FICE
Cyfeiriad Post / Postal Address: PO Box 1, Colwyn Bay, LL29 0GG Blwch Post 1, Bae Colwyn, LL29 0GG
2 / 2 2 This proposal will shortly be advertised as a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). This requires a consultation and legal process before changes can be implemented, which may take up to 6 months, depending on any objections received. The Council has also conducted a review of existing traffic warning signs in the area and is proposing changes and improvements where required to improve driver information of potential hazards. These works are programmed to be completed by March 31st 2026. An example of the proposals, can be seen in the attached design drawings of improved traffic signage and road markings along the A458, in the vicinity of the Waterloo Hill junction’ I trust that the above provides assurance of our commitment to reduce the risk of future road traffic collisions in the area and make our roads safer for all road users.
1. The railings to the right of the junction are old and rusty and their position provides a barrier from view down the road. It was noted that Conwy County Borough Council had noted this and no action has yet been taken. These railings are privately owned and located on the property known as Pentre Smithy. The Council has approached the property owner and reached agreement to replace the railing with a more suitable boundary treatment, at the Council’s expense. This will be carried out by March 31st, 2026.
2. It was noted that the stretch of road in question is subject to a national speed limit and it is a concern that this high Speed does not account for the dangerous junction at Waterloo Hill. The Council has conducted a route speed limit review for the A548 between Llanfair TH and Llangernyw in accordance with national guidance (Setting of Local Speed Limits in Wales circular 24/2009). It is proposed to reduce the speed limit on the A548 to 40mph from a point 65 metres north of its junction with Cae Llan, Llangernyw to a point 45 metres east of the turning to Nant Mawr, a distance of approximately 4km (which includes the Waterloo Hill junction).
Adran Yr Amgylchedd, Ffyrdd a Chyfleusterau Environment, Roads & Facilities Department
Pennaeth Gwasanaeth Head of Service - Geraint Edwards, BEng(Hons) CEng FICE
Cyfeiriad Post / Postal Address: PO Box 1, Colwyn Bay, LL29 0GG Blwch Post 1, Bae Colwyn, LL29 0GG
2 / 2 2 This proposal will shortly be advertised as a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). This requires a consultation and legal process before changes can be implemented, which may take up to 6 months, depending on any objections received. The Council has also conducted a review of existing traffic warning signs in the area and is proposing changes and improvements where required to improve driver information of potential hazards. These works are programmed to be completed by March 31st 2026. An example of the proposals, can be seen in the attached design drawings of improved traffic signage and road markings along the A458, in the vicinity of the Waterloo Hill junction’ I trust that the above provides assurance of our commitment to reduce the risk of future road traffic collisions in the area and make our roads safer for all road users.