Transport Strategy

Steynton to Old Bulford Road Active Travel Improvements 2024

April 2025 update:

Following the public consultation process that concluded in February 2025, all comments received have been compiled into the table below, along with the Council's responses for ease of reference. We trust that this addresses the concerns raised; however, should you require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the team via email.

Discussions are currently ongoing with the Authority's Engineering Team, the Local Councillor, and relevant stakeholders to determine which elements of the scheme will be taken forward subject to funding. This webpage will be updated accordingly.

The key themes addressed are as follows:

Category

Key themes (You said)

Council response (We said)

 Cycling I don't ride my bike to Milford Haven from Haverfordwest as I don't feel safe to ride especially with my children. We would ride lots of places if the infrastructure allowed us. The creation of a Shared Use Path aims to provide a safe environment for all users, away from busy roads. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to promote Active Travel within the County. Our plan includes upgrading existing infrastructure and identifying opportunities for new routes. By doing so, we can ensure that users can commute safely and enjoyably, encouraging more people to choose Active Travel options.
 Cycling The current cycle path around Johnston encourages dog fouling, anti-social behaviour and in recent extreme cases criminal activities. I would not allow my child to use it to get to school and home daily. It's crucial that we create a safe and clean environment for everyone, especially children. Community involvement and collaboration with Local Enforcement Authorities when these instances arise could also be key in addressing these problems.
 Parking The distance between Steynton and Tiers Cross / Johnston is quite far for people with reduced mobility. I imagine the Shared Use Path would be beneficial for health, leisure, commuting and wellbeing, however lack of parking at either end of the link may not make this route as popular as Neyland to Haverfordwest. The purpose of a Shared Use Path is to encourage users to commute, whether for leisure or work purposes, without relying on a vehicle. As such, parking is not a consideration for this path. However, off-street parking is available in Steynton, and there is a free Pembrokeshire County Council car park with disabled spaces located at Greenhall Park in Johnston.
 Parking Buses and trains are accessible and this Shared Use Path wouldn’t be used. While there is public transport available in the area, a Shared Use Path offers a flexible, traffic-free alternative that is ideal for leisure, exercise, and community activities. It also provides a greener, cost-effective way to travel for those who prefer to walk, wheel, or cycle. Survey results indicate that the creation of a Shared Use Path at this location would encourage more frequent walking, wheeling, and cycling.
 Shared Use Path The green route does not address the access issues from Johnston to Milford Haven. The Quietway (the green route) provides a path that prioritizes quieter, less trafficked backstreets, offering a more relaxed and accessible experience. Users will be directed along this route towards Tiers Cross and the existing Bulford Road Shared Use Path, until Phase 3 (indicated by the dashed red route) is completed, should the scheme proceed. Once Phase 3 is finished, this will create a direct link from Johnston to Milford Haven for users who prefer not to travel via Tiers Cross.
 Shared Use Path Many people with mobility issues have Disability paid cars and would not use the shared path. While some individuals with mobility issues may find it easier to commute using a vehicle, it is essential to ensure that the Shared Use Path is accessible to all users.
 Shared Use Path There needs to be provision for horse riders in this area. There are no linked safe off-road options. It's important to have safe, linked off-road routes for everyone, including those on horseback. This would not only help riders stay safe but also improve accessibility for all types of transport. A Multi-user Route could be looked into for a future scheme however in the meantime please visit our website https://www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/definitive-map where you can view locations and download maps of bridleways within the County. 
 Shared Use Path I don't think it will warrant the amount of funding needed; I regularly walk the cycle tracks as a Johnston resident. I don't think it will get the footfall you expect due to the amount of people I see using them now which has dropped significantly after covid and lockdown. The Welsh Government will assess the costings as part of its decision-making process. As part of the evidence provided, monitoring data showing current user numbers will be included alongside survey results. These results suggest that the construction of a Shared Use Path at this location would encourage more frequent walking, wheeling, and cycling. Should the scheme proceed, additional monitoring will be conducted to determine if the project has achieved its objectives, particularly in terms of increasing Active Travel in the area.
 Shared Use Path Would this be shared with motorists? No, a Shared Use Path is designed to be used by pedestrians, wheelers and cyclists, and is typically physically separated from motor vehicular traffic. 
 Shared Use Path There is a large amount of cyclists who still use the road right next to a shared use path elsewhere in the county. A Shared Use Path is not just for the use of cyclists, it is also for the use of walkers and wheelers. Confident cyclists are still welcome to cycle on the carriageway should they wish to.
 Shared Use Path There is no interesting or beauty spots to view if walking.  While there may not be any notable beauty spots, this Shared Use Path would provide users with a convenient route for commuting to work or educational facilities, serving a practical purpose beyond just leisure activities.
 Shared Use Path Could cycle crossing warning signs be installed at the North end of the Shared Use Path? This can be investigated as part of the final design should the scheme go ahead.
 Shared Use Path What do you mean by a 'Quietway'?  The legislation / highway code allows for 'Quiet Lanes' to be designated with appropriate signage reminding drivers that other more vulnerable road users (such as cyclists, walkers, horse riders and mobility scooter users) may be found in the road on small rural roads.  In highway terms, a "Quietway" refers to a designated route, often a cycle path or pedestrian pathway, designed to minimize traffic noise and congestion, providing a more pleasant and safer environment for non-motorized travel
 Shared Use Path Please consider maintaining the height of the path as it crosses side roads. Journeys on the path from Steynton to Neyland are constantly interrupted by giving way to little-used side roads. Keeping the height of the path as it crosses would give priority to cyclists, and traffic-calm for vehicles crossing the path. Noted: and will be considered during design as appropriate.
 Shared Use Path The Shared Use Path would be a lot safer if it was on other side of hedge in Council owned farmland. Gradients could be improved and would be a lot cheaper to construct. The proposal for the Shared Use Path in Phase 3 is to place the route on the inside of the hedge, away from the Carriageway.
 Traffic I would strongly urge you to consider a reduced speed limit on the 'Quietway' section of road, where you are effectively putting cyclists (of all ages and abilities) in direct conflict with motorists using it as a short cut / rat run. There is an option under the Quiet Lanes legislation to implement a reduced speed limit as part of the designation process.  Noted, any changes to the existing speed limits will be in line with the Welsh Government Guidance.
 Traffic I would suggest that 20mph on Studdolph lane is not appropriate, but some thought needs to be given to some traffic calming provision or early warning around the Studdolph lane junction. In particular, vehicles turning off the A4076 onto Studdolph lane tend to carry a lot of speed off the 60mph carriageway on to the minor C Road. Noted, any changes to the existing speed limits will be in line with the Welsh Government Guidance.
 General I would strongly advise against the idea of building any sort of shared use path, cycle path, or non-vehicular transport route at this time, and in the current financial and geopolitical climate. The money should be used elsewhere. Investing in infrastructure like Shared Use Paths and cycle routes could have long-term benefits, such as promoting sustainable transport, reducing congestion, and supporting public health. Should funding be obtained for this scheme we are unable to use it elsewhere as the funds have been allocated for Active Travel purposes.
 General If it goes ahead, then perhaps within the school, we can encourage safer cycling and walking options. Our Road Safety Team regularly carry out safety talks in schools, there is no reason why this could not be done should the scheme go ahead. 
 General All cycle / walking paths are worthless without regular maintenance, thorns and punctures abound, there needs to be a maintenance schedule set in place. I've contacted the Council on numerous times about debris on the cycle routes, nothing is ever done, quite frankly , it will be a waste of money if a budget is not implemented for regular maintenance. Thank you for contacting the Council with your concerns over the maintenance of the cycle / walking paths, we will ensure that this is passed on to the Maintenance Team.
 General This path would worry me, as I believe the free school transport would end for the children who attend the catchment secondary school. This proposed scheme is to increase the number of Active Travel commutes, it is not intended to replace any public school transport arrangements. 
 General What about a footpath/cycle path from Waterston to Sentry Cross Roundabout to connect to the footpaths there heading to Milford Haven & Neyland. This could be investigated for a future scheme and subject to funding.

 

March 2025 update:

The consultation period has now ended. The results of the on-line survey are currently being analysed along with the feedback obtained at the public consultation day which took place on the 14th February 2025. This webpage will be updated in due course confirming if the proposals will be taken forward.

Public consultation

Pembrokeshire County Councils Transport Strategy Team invite you to take part in this online survey which aims to gather feedback from members of the public and commuters on the following:

  • Construction of a segregated Shared Use Path which forms a connection between Steynton and Johnston, along the A4076. This is a partial joint project between Pembrokeshire County Council and South Wales Trunk Road Agency. 
  • Phase 1 (Red solid line) forms a Shared Use Path along the A4076 starting opposite the bus stop at St Peters Church and linking Northwards towards the C3024 (the Old Bulford Road towards Tiers Cross diverges). This work will be undertaken by Pembrokeshire County Council.
  • Phase 2 (Blue solid line) consists of a Shared Use Path formation, junction and footway improvements between the Neyland Road junction Northwards along the A4076 to connect in with Phase 1, this work will be undertaken by South Wales Trunk Road Agency. Users will then be directed along the quiteway towards Tiers Cross and the existing Bulford Road Shared Use Path, until Phase 3 is completed.
  • Phase 3 (red dashed line) this future route will form the remaining part of the Shared Use Path, between Phase 2 and Sunnycroft Roundabout (A4076). This work is expected to commence with future years funding.

Why are we proposing these changes?

There is no direct Active Travel link between Johnston and Milford Haven, despite this being one of the most used commuter routes in Pembrokeshire. At present, residents can not cycle/walk safely between the two areas. The wider strategy (Phase 1 and 3) is to provide a Shared Use Path along the A4076 between the two areas. This would then connect to the existing network between Johnston and Haverfordwest.

The village of Steynton lies to the north of Milford Haven and has properties situated on either side of the main road. There is provision for a new footway to both sides of the village, however, the footway to the western side is generally wider with a grass verge and would be better suited for a Shared Use Path rather than the eastern side which has a steep cross fall. The footway is not continuous and there is no cycle route provision which is segregated from the carriageway. The implementation of this scheme would provide missing links within the Active Travel Network.

The aim of the proposals is to:

  • Facilitate and increase the number of Active Travel journeys between Milford Haven and Johnston
  • To provide a safe access away from the A4076 Trunk Road
  • Increase physical activity and encourage a healthy lifestyle
  • Support climate change and decarbonisation by reducing vehicle trips
  • Give the local community the opportunity to travel via Active Travel means

Public consultation

We will be seeking your feedback on the proposed designs.

Studdolph active travel improvements

Phase 1-2 Studdolph Active travel improvements

Steynton to Studdolph Lane shared use path

 

The Public consultation will commence with a workshop/drop-in session on 14th February 2025, between 10:00 – 12:00, 13:00 – 16:00 and 18:30 – 20:00 at Steynton Community Hall.

The sessions will have representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council to answer any questions that may arise. Following this one-day event, for those who are unable to attend in person, an online public survey will be made available and can be accessed, via: Have your say

The online survey will remain available for 6 weeks concluding on 28th March 2025 at midnight.

Whilst the County Council encourages consultation responses to be made via our on-line consultation system, paper copies of the designs and survey, along with a comments box, will be located in County Hall. Posted copies are available upon request by contacting the team on the below email address or contact number.

Following on from the consultation period, final preferred option(s) will be identified. This preferred option will not be finalised until we have the feedback from the local community.

Please contact the team at majorschemes@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or telephone 01437 764551 if you have any questions.

This online survey will close on 28th March 2025 at midnight. Thank you for your time in completing this survey.

ID: 12221, revised 11/04/2025
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