Traffic warning as Wales-England border restrictions lifted

Traffic Wales have warned of congestion on Wales’ roads as the restrictions on travelling between Wales and England were lifted today.

They said it had been busier on the roads today with “slow-moving traffic heading towards the coast”.

Traffic was heavy on the westbound A494 through Deeside this morning, Traffic Wales added. There was also a congestion alert on the A465 westbound from Dowlais Top to Cefn-coed-y-cymmer. Congestion on both roads had begun to ease by 2pm.

“With schools and colleges reopening, as well as all shops and close contact services and travelling in and out of Wales allowed, we are expecting the roads to be busier,” they said. “Please plan ahead and allow more time for your journeys.”

‘Positive’

Journeys between the two UK nations have been banned since the Autumn unless for work or education

People in Wales and England however will from today be allowed to travel over the border and stay overnight in self-contained accommodation with members of their household and/or bubble. Self-accommodation opened in Wales for people from Wales on 27 March.

Self-contained holiday accommodation includes hotels with en-suite facilities and room service, as well as caravans and holiday homes where facilities are not shared.

Travel between Scotland and Wales or England is still not allowed but is expected to get the go-ahead in two weeks, on 26 April.

Mark Drakeford announced on 26 March that the border between Wales and England could reopen on 12 April.

“Stay local will be lifted, and for the next 2 weeks people living in Wales can travel around Wales – this is to help keep the virus under control,” he said.

“We’ll keep this under review and if the public health situation remains positive, travel in and out of Wales will resume 12 April.”