Labour Urges Welsh Government to Reconsider M4 Relief Road

Labour is calling on the Welsh government to build the M4 relief road, a project the party itself axed seven years ago. Ken Skates, a Labour representative, argued that despite previous financial constraints and changing circumstances, the relief road remains the only viable solution to alleviate severe congestion on the M4 around Newport.

In 2019, the Welsh government decided against proceeding with the "black route" for the M4 relief road, a decision influenced by concerns over Brexit, austerity, and the availability of funding. At the time, the project was deemed too costly. Skates suggested that had the road gone ahead then, it would likely have been paused or cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Welsh government has commissioned an 18-month project to examine alternative "roads-based" solutions, but has ruled out the original "black route." A recent report assessing alternatives indicated that a new motorway could cost approximately £3 billion and noted that the route is no longer safeguarded through the planning system, making future construction progressively more difficult or expensive due to potential land use changes.

However, Skates contended that this report demonstrates no single or combined alternative solution can adequately address the M4 congestion. He believes an amended version of the original "black route" should be constructed. He also raised questions about the current status of the protected route for the relief road, which was previously cancelled.

Deputy Transport Minister Mark Hooper stated in a debate on September 29 that the "black route" is not achievable, as its protected route status was lost when the scheme was cancelled. He indicated that "decades of work" would be required to even initiate such a project.

Skates is expected to address the Co-operative Movement conference, where he plans to emphasize that the needs of the region's residents, including efficient commuting, can realistically only be met by a relief road. He advocates for local communities to lead the debate on solutions, balancing environmental, human, and economic considerations.

Peredur Owen Griffiths, a Plaid Cymru MS for Casnewydd Islwyn, criticized Labour's stance as hypocritical, highlighting their 27 years in government during which plans to address Newport's congestion were scrapped. Plaid Cymru, he stated, is considering actions that could reduce traffic by 10% in four years, asserting that doing nothing is not an option.