Find another solution if new road off cards
IN RESPONSE to the story on WalesOnline (August 21) – “‘That decision is over’: Mark Drakeford says £1.3bn M4 relief road will not be happening” – I feel I need to air the frustrations of many who have spent years commuting on the M4 around Newport and have experienced the ongoing issues with congestion.
I am hugely disappointed by this stance: the M4 infrastructure is not only on its last legs, but if no discussions will be had about it at all, what solutions are there when the inevitable day comes when that part of the M4 needs to shut for major repairs? Where do commuters turn for alternatives, as I imagine this will be the reality before any public transport solution gets the green light?
Having reviewed the South East Wales Transport Report, it appears the “black route” still remains the only solution tabled which can be implemented straightaway. Couple that with the announcement that train price hikes for commuters in Newport will be around 1.6% in January 2021, something needs to be done with the end-users in mind before travelling around this area infuriates and prices out people from all backgrounds, leading to a stifled local economy.
And yes, while homeworking is a big topic of conversation during these times, people still want to be out, and I don’t see traffic reducing as much as a result of this. We won’t see much of a difference in terms of motorway traffic levels, but with less congestion on the road, it will significantly reduce commuting time and allow people to focus on wellbeing activities such as exercising and spending quality time with families – aspects the lockdown period highlighted to us as precious time we won’t ever get back. Importantly, this approach will have significant economic benefit to all of Wales, not just those local to the M4.
As the UK Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said on BBC
Radio Wales (August 21, 2020), the relief road is in “all our interests to make sure our country as a whole is connected up. The majority of exports from Wales go to other parts of the United Kingdom, of course it makes sense we have the best possible connections.”
This section of motorway was built during a time when little attention was paid to quality control. The level of congestion will also continue to infuriate businesses and commuters for years to come and will only be detrimental to the economic growth of the whole of Wales.
People still need to have the confidence that they can move goods and provide services seamlessly without worrying about getting it from A to B. Local supply chains are ready and willing to be engaged to work on this, which would enable communities to work together towards a common goal. Our local communities don’t just want this project off the ground for their own benefits; they want to pull together and really show that Wales, its language and heritage is open to the world for business.
While discussions may be off the table for now, it won’t be long until they have to be raised again, and actions taken accordingly. So if the First Minister will not build the new road he will need to implement an alternative solution quickly or accept that the economy and ultimately the quality of life of citizens may not be as good as it could be.
Richard Selby, director, Pro Steel Engineering
Pontypool