Cows on A55 near retail park threaten udder chaos

Cows on the loose on the A55
-Credit: (Image: Traffic Wales)


A55 motorists were told to “mooooove over” when the dual-carriageway was blocked by a bunch of cows this morning (Sunday, September 8). In a scene more familiar on remote country lanes, drivers were asked to be patient as the cows were safely herded away.

Traffic Wales warned of brief delays when the “unexpected visitors” ran loose on the A55 near junction 36A in Flintshire. This was near Broughton Retail Park but, on a verge lush with grass, shopping wasn’t what the cows had in mind.

Traffic officers got them off the carriageway using a rolling roadblock. “The cows have been safely relocated, and the carriageway is fully open,” the roads manager told motorists. “Thanks for your patience – you can now moo-ve along.”

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It is the second time in less than a month that cows have got onto the A55 in the same area. On August 11, the road was closed in both directions between Broughton and Chester after cows escaped a field.

Over the years, cattle, horses, deer and a pair of swans have all caused hold-ups on the A55. Most were recovered safely, though a cow was shot by police near Llandudno Junction on July 3, 2014. Several deer have also been killed by marksmen to preserve public safety.

Notoriously, a runaway foxhound was deliberately run over and killed by a police patrol car on the A55 in February 2016. Officers took action near Conwy after failing to bring it under control. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community

Following a public outcry, an independent inquiry concluded they were justified and no action should be taken against them. The review also recommended that, in future, patrol vehicles should carry slip leads and nets. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

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