Past statements are being ignored

I RESPOND to the Western Mail article (February 27) with reference to further relief calls after 830 M4 city closures due to various partial and full closures of the M4 from January 2018 to January 2020.

It is the case that past statements by the First Minister Mark Drakeford that the bypass schemes to alleviate current traffic jams between junction 23 (Magor) and junction 29 (Tredegar Park) are being totally ignored. Mr Drakeford has no interest in the Blue or Black alternative routes due to damage to the Gwent Levels and environmental issues which is very minute.

In June 2018, Mr Drakeford made the statement that a “Commission of Experts” would look at “innovative” ways of solving the congestion issues, reporting back the initial findings in six months.

It is now eight months since, and currently no report has been forthcoming.

Apparently, Mr Ken Skates AM said the Commission will examine 28 alternatives seen at the planning enquiry which had been rejected by the Inspector Bill Wadrup.

I reiterate Mark Drakeford’s statement in December 2019, that he would not be returning to negotiations of the M4 Newport Bypass even if Westminster offered more financial help.

What both Mark Drakeford and Ken Skates must be made aware of is, the next AM elections are in May 2021.

I think it’s time for a positive change to support climate change and the traffic congestion for the area of Newport and the M4 corridor of junction 23 to junction 29. Malcolm Stafford Brackla, Bridgend