David A Graham Associates (DAGA) was commissioned by Llanharry Community Council to undertake an independent Road Safety Assessment following concerns over the proposed withdrawal of the free school bus service. The study assessed the safety of the pedestrian and cycle route that pupils would be expected to use between Llanharry and Y Pant Comprehensive School.
Client: Llanharry Community Council
Location: Cowbridge Road, Llanharry to Y Pant Comprehensive School, Pontyclun
Assessment Dates: 9th May 2025
Project Type: Independent Road Safety Assessment
Standards Applied: Active Travel (Wales) Act, GG119 & Manual for Streets
Focus Areas: School Travel Safety, Pedestrian & Cycle Routes, Vulnerable Road Users, Highway Infrastructure Assessment
The proposed change in travel arrangements raised significant concerns about the safety of children using the route to school. Key issues identified during the assessment included:
High vehicle speeds approaching key crossing locations.
Narrow footways creating pinch points for pedestrians.
Poor visibility caused by roadside vegetation and street furniture.
Limited safe crossing opportunities for pupils.
Increased risk where pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles interact during peak school times.
David A Graham Associates carried out a comprehensive site assessment, reviewing the existing highway layout, pedestrian routes, crossing facilities and traffic conditions. Following the inspection, a detailed report was prepared with practical recommendations designed to improve safety for vulnerable road users.
Recommendations included:
Introduction of a 20mph school safety zone.
Installation of formal pedestrian crossing facilities.
Improvements to visibility through vegetation management.
Widening of existing footways.
Traffic calming measures to reduce vehicle speeds.
Enhancements to the overall walking and cycling environment.
The assessment provided Llanharry Community Council with an independent, evidence-based report that clearly identified the risks associated with the proposed route and offered practical engineering solutions to improve safety.
The report has helped support discussions regarding future highway improvements and the protection of vulnerable road users travelling to and from school.
Independent professional Road Safety Assessment.
Evidence-based recommendations supported by recognised highway standards.
Identification of risks affecting pedestrians and cyclists.
Practical engineering solutions to improve safety.
Expert advice to support future transport and infrastructure decisions.
David A Graham Associates can deliver bespoke Road Safety Audit training courses at your premises or at locations across the UK and internationally.
