The Road Haqulage Association (RHA) has urged the Welsh Government to reinstate plans for an M4 Relief Road that would reduce congestion in South Wales.

The call comes as the Association branded a new bid to ease gridlock on the M4 as ‘hopelessly inadequate’, and accused officials of tinkering around the edges.

‘Fast-track’ recommendations published by the South East Wales Transport Commission could see new traffic management measures and increased patrols on the route. But Commission chair, Lord Burns admitted the plans would only have a ‘modest’ impact on congestion.

Longer term measures are set to focus on ‘alternative transport modes’ but the RHA believes they won’t tackle crippling bottlenecks around Newport and the Brynglas Tunnels.

RHA regional operations manager, Rhys Williams said that the Welsh Government must reinstate plans for the relief road if it’s serious about unlocking Wales’ potential.

“Congestion on the M4 brings misery to local people and road users every day; it’s strangling the Welsh economy and holding up growth in firms who desperately need a fit-for-purpose road network to move people and goods efficiently.

“We believe that Wales deserves better – but nothing will change until the Welsh Government stops tinkering around the edges and commits to building 21st century infrastructure to make it happen.”

Road Haulage Association

About the Author: John Loughran