Newport Retail Park
One of Newport’s main transport pinch points is the area in and around Newport Retail Park.
Congestion on the M4 leads to the Eastern Distributor Road becoming congested as traffic seeks to avoid the Coldra and the Tunnels by joining the SDR. The Retail Park itself has poor traffic flows and public transport hindered by limited access and parked vehicles. In addition, there is no natural connection between Newport’s new suburb, Glan Llyn, and the Retail Park.
Remodelling vehicle access to the Retail Park
All traffic including buses approaching the Retail Park from the east including Glan Llyn has to drive down to the often highly congested main SDR roundabout and then carry out a long loop manoeuvre heading into the Park. Remodelling the traffic lights near to McDonalds to allow a right turn into the Retail Park would reduce traffic flows and improve safety negating the need for the long loop manoeuvre.
Within the Retail Park itself parked vehicles along the main Seven Stiles Avenue create a significant obstruction particularly for buses and lorries. Limiting the ability to park vehicles in this area would assist traffic flows.
Provide safe walkways from housing areas and schools / colleges
All walkways between Glan Llyn and the school and college at Lliswerry to the Retail Park need to be safe, wide and give priority to pedestrians. At present there is no safe access way from the Lliswerry direction requiring pedestrians to weave their way through heavy traffic able to drive at up to 40 mph. The pedestrian crossing near to KFC should be clearer and the speed limit from the traffic lights to the main roundabout reduced to 30 mph. A disabled friendly footbridge would be preferable.
Our suggestions are set out below on downloaded map courtesy of Google Maps.
Other measures
Consider traffic calming on approaches to pedestrian crossing points. Retail park traffic tends to be dominated by cars, and calming measures will make drivers more aware of pedestrians.
Carry out a walking audit and ensure adequate access for all modes of transport including bikes.
Install more EV chargers particularly in the cinema/gym area of the retail park.
Build the new railway station at Llanwern.
