UPDATE: The A40 in Carmarthenshire has become a deadly hotspot for crashes, with over 250 collisions reported since 2020. This alarming trend has prompted urgent calls for the Welsh Government to take immediate action to enhance road safety.
Recent statistics reveal that the section of the A40 between Carmarthen and Llandovery has seen a staggering 249 collisions from January 2020 to June 2025, averaging nearly one crash per week. The most recent tragedies include the deaths of two individuals in an October 2024 motorcycle crash and 18-year-old Sally Allen, who died in July 2025 while returning from the Royal Welsh Show.
Local leaders are raising alarm over these dire statistics. Adam Price, Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, described the situation as “deeply concerning,” urging the Welsh Government to implement necessary safety measures. “The tragic death on this stretch of road earlier this year demonstrates that this must be taken seriously,” he asserted.
Ann Davies, the MP for Caerfyrddin, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the “alarming” rise in collisions. “Behind every number is a human story,” she stated, emphasizing the profound impact on families and communities affected by these incidents. “I am committed to working closely with those impacted to ensure that road safety is treated with the urgency it demands,” she added.
Data obtained through a freedom of information request from Dyfed-Powys Police shows a consistent rise in road traffic collisions over the years: 30 in 2020, 40 in 2021, 40 in 2022, 58 in 2023, and 59 in 2024. The first half of 2025 alone has already recorded 22 collisions, suggesting the total will soon exceed 250.
The A40 stretches approximately 27 miles through rural areas, connecting several towns and villages, yet the national speed limit of 60 mph for single carriageways remains in effect for most of this route. Local officials are calling for a review of speed limits and road safety measures to prevent further tragedies.
“We take road safety very seriously and routinely review personal injury collision data to inform improvements on the trunk road network,” stated Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport. “We await details of the most recent collisions to inform our work,” he added.
With the data indicating a consistent rise in accidents, the urgency for action is palpable. As families mourn their losses, local leaders are demanding immediate intervention to address these ongoing safety concerns. The community awaits the Welsh Government’s response and any forthcoming measures to enhance the safety of this perilous stretch of road.
Stay tuned for developments as this story unfolds, and consider sharing to raise awareness about the urgent need for road safety improvements on the A40.
