Ken Skates has described the proposed closure of M4 junctions around Newport by Plaid Cymru as “disastrous”.
Ken Skates, leader of Welsh Labour, met with a local taxi driver and a Newport business owner to hear their concerns about Plaid Cymru’s proposals to close three junctions of the M4 around Newport.
Specifically, the proposals include the full closure of Junction 27 at High Cross, the partial closure of the east-facing slip road at Junction 26 in Malpas, and the partial closure of the east-facing slip road at Junction 25 in Caerleon. Closing these junctions will lead to more traffic on Newport’s roads around the M4.
Welsh Labour have opposed these proposals.
Meeting in a cafe in Pillgwenlly, Skates was joined by Welsh Labour MS for Casneywdd Islwyn, Jayne Bryant, who has long called for a solution to the congestion in and around Newport’s roads.
Skates then went on a drive with a local cabbie to see which roads in particular would see a higher volume of traffic.
Local business owner, Jack Bannister said:
“It’s really important that Newport voices are heard in this conversation, so it was great to sit down today with Ken and Jayne and speak about how junction closures would impact businesses like ours and residents like us.”
Welsh Labour leader Ken Skates said:
“Congestion in and around Newport needs to be resolved. Successive governments have failed to adequately address congestion on the M4, which has held back the economy of Wales, poisoned the air in and around Newport and caused decades of environmental damage.
“This Welsh Labour Group will support a relief road if that’s what the people of south east Wales want.”
Casnewydd Islwyn MS Jayne Bryant said:
“Closing these junctions as Plaid Cymru are proposing will push more traffic onto Newport’s already congested roads. We’ve heard that directly today from taxi drivers, business owners, and residents. They do not want to see junctions closed.
“I have long argued that the people of Newport and surrounding communities need a long-term road solution alongside reliable and affordable public transport.
“The Welsh Government said they would move forward in conversation with the people of Newport. Well we have spoken loud and clear.”
Dimitri Batrouni, Welsh Labour leader of Newport Council, said:
“The decision to surrender the M4 relief road protected route in June 2021 was a mistake. I said it then and I say it again now.
“The Plaid Cymru Government must recognise the independent and expert findings – that only a relief road will address what the people, economy and environment of South East Wales needs. Closing Newport junctions would be a disaster.”
Welsh Labour tabled an opposition debate on the M4 around Newport and called on the Welsh Government to rule out junction closures, which passed with 46 votes for and 44 votes against.
