Show us transport alternatives, businesses urge government

CONCERNED business leaders in Wales have urged the Welsh Government to produce plans for alternative transport that will support the economy and firms in rural and deprived areas following this week’s announcement on infrastructure projects.

CBI Wales director Ian Price said the ball was now in the government’s court “to produce an alternative solution with urgency” as “communities have been waiting a long time to receive government help”.

“Modern economic infrastructure is proven to help grow an economy and attract additional employment. As every day goes by with no shovels in the ground, these communities remain vulnerable to the challenging economic circumstances and costof-living crisis we are all enduring,” he said.

“With the roads review published, the Welsh Government has within its power the ability to move rapidly to deliver a modern, integrated, and sustainable transport network to these communities across Wales.”

He added: “It’s now important that all social partners come together and help identify the most effective solutions to the remaining transport challenges these communities face.”

Keith Jones, director of the Institution of Civil Engineers in Wales, said investment was needed in ageing public transport and in low-carbon transport options to make the shift from cars practical and desirable.

“New road schemes will also need to consider how to manage the network more effectively rather than just adding capacity,” he said.

“The decision by the Welsh Government reflects these challenges, however, it is essential that a wider assessment of the transport system takes place to set out plans for improving public transport and active travel options.”

Head of FSB Wales Ben Cottam said that while he recognised the challenges of moving to net zero, clarity was needed over how the priorities of the road review are balanced against the need to develop the Welsh economy and the businesses within it, particularly those in rural and deprived areas.

“The headlines so far may cause concern for some businesses in areas of Wales which desperately need improvement of existing infrastructure, as well as the certainty of resilience of future infrastructure,” he said.

“The reality for most small businesses is still a necessary dependence on road-based transport. Depending on the response to the review, the Welsh Government will have to go some way to demonstrate that any decisions won’t impact on regional competitiveness at a time when we seek to level up different regions of Wales.”

Mr Cottam added: “Whatever the Welsh Government response to this review in the longer term, there is a need for a very substantial increase in investment in public transport to get the modal shift the report sees as necessary and to get public transport to a point that supports small and medium-sized enterprises and their employees.”