FIRST MINISTER’S CONFIDENCE ON EASTERN DISTRIBUTOR ROAD MUST BE REALISED  

15.3.11

William Graham – Shadow Minister for Regeneration questioned the First Minister (during Plenary today) on transport links between South Wales and London. 

William highlighted that “the M4 is a vital economic artery linking South Wales to the UK; so often clogged by traffic congestion arising from breakdowns, accidents and the Brynglas Tunnels”. 

He asked the First Minister if he was “satisfied that the Eastern Distributor linking the Southern Distributor road with the motorway at junction 23A will adequately alleviate the traffic jams that have been such an unwelcome hallmark of life in Newport for motorists and residents”. 

“I acknowledge the First Minister’s confidence that the Eastern Distributor road will address the M4 traffic congestion problems; and I hope that his confidence will be realised”. 

“I fear that the congestion will only be moved from one location to another, along what is in effect an elaborate diversion for the motorway traffic”. 

“There is still a strong voice for an M4 Relief Road. I share the view that this will eventually emerge as a necessary solution to driving future economic and social investment for South Wales”.