Fast-tracked measures for M4, after relief road rejected

05/06/2019 | RHODRI CLARK

The Welsh Government has promised fast-tracked measures to alleviate congestion on the M4 at Newport, while a special commission will consider longer-term solutions.

First minister Mark Drakeford confirmed on Tuesday that the M4 Relief Road, which his government had spent £44m developing, would not be progressed because of the cost and environmental damage.

He acknowledged the strong views for and against the scheme but said there was a consensus that capacity, resilience and the environment on the M4 corridor around Newport had to be addressed, through local and regional solutions.

Transport minister Ken Skates will announce details of the new commission on Wednesday, including timescales.

Mr Drakeford said: 'In advance of the commission’s work, the minister will implement a series of fast-tracked, targeted interventions to alleviate congestion on the M4, for example: actions to expedite recovery of vehicles; enhanced traffic officer patrols; live journey time information to inform better transport choices; and a behavioural campaign to reduce accidents and incidents and to make maximum use of existing lane capacity.'

The newly released report of the scheme’s public inquiry reveals that the planning inspector, the late Bill Wadrup, concluded there was a 'compelling case for the scheme to be implemented'.

This would have involved building 14 miles of new alignment across the Gwent Levels, in line with Labour’s manifesto promise in the 2016 Welsh election.

Mr Drakeford said continuing austerity, Brexit and lack of progress on the Comprehensive Spending Review could result in Wales’ budget being 'even lower in the future than it is today'.

He also said he would have blocked the scheme on environmental grounds in any case, because he attached 'very significant weight' to adverse impact on the wildlife and historic landscape of the Gwent Levels.

Paul Davies, the Welsh Assembly’s Conservative leader, said Mr Drakeford was 'kicking this decision into the long grass' by setting up the commission. He said the 'foot on the windpipe of the Welsh economy' caused by M4 congestion would clearly continue.

Mr Drakeford countered that the fast-tracked measures would alleviate problems sooner than the new road could have done, and that the Welsh economy’s future depended on many things, not 'one stretch of road'.

Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price welcomed Drakeford’s decision but said eight years had been lost and major expenditure incurred. 'We have to find a better way, surely, of making these decisions.'

Highways InProfile

latest magazine issue
Highways jobs

Director of Transport

£112,924
East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is on a bold journey. East Midlands Region
Recruiter: East Midlands Combined County Authority

Ferry Host - WMF3049i

£25,584 - £25,992
Ferry Host - WMF3049i Windermere, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Director of Streetscene

£94,972 - £108,767
We continue to have big ambitions for our borough Fareham, Hampshire
Recruiter: Fareham Borough Council

Principal Engineer - Urban Traffic Control (UTC)

£44,711 - £49,764
Liverpool is home to vibrant, energetic and engaged communities. Liverpool, Merseyside
Recruiter: Liverpool City Council

Roadworker/Driver

Grade 6 £25,183 - £25,638 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Project Chargehand (2 Posts)

Grade 9 £31,344 - £33,253 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We’re looking for experienced Project Chargehands to be part of the Highways Construction Services team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Lawyer 2- Planning and Highways

£49,764 - £54,181
We are looking for a fresh thinking and enthusiastic Planning and Highways Lawyer Hereford, Herefordshire
Recruiter: Herefordshire Council

Development Engineer

£35,967 - £41,268 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping and safeguarding the future of our highways and public spaces? Bexley (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Bexley

Professional Services Partnering Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Professional Services Partnering Manager to lead the strategic management Darley Dale, Matlock
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Technical Supervision Manager

Grade 13 £47,653 - £51,296 per annum (pay award pending)
We are looking for an experienced and driven Technical Supervision Manager to lead our technical supervision teams within the Highways Service. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Street Lighting Electrician (CDC)

Grade 8, £32,662 - £36,239 (pay award pending)
Highways Operations is a growing service area within the Place directorate. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: City Of Doncaster Council

Highways Assistant Engineer WMF2133e

£39,513 to £40,476
We have an exciting opportunity for the right person to work within the challenging and ever-changing landscape. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Highways Inspector/NRSWA

£36,345 - £40,344
We are looking for an organised and self-motivated individual to join our Streetworks Team based in Hackney Central. Hackney, London (Greater)
Recruiter: London Borough of Hackney Council

Structures Commissioner

Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Team Leader Network Co-ordination

£51,429 - £58,140
As Team Leader for Network Coordination, you’ll manage a team that oversees all works and events on our public highways. Kensington and Chelsea, London (Greater)
Recruiter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recruiter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recruiter: Hull City Council

Principal Transport Planner

£45,718 to £49,764
Do you have considerable experience in the transport strategy and policy, and are you looking for your next career development opportunity? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
Recruiter: Sheffield City Council

Project Lead - Bridges and Structures WMF3037e

£45,718 to £46,731
We are currently seeking to recruit a Project Lead to join our Bridges and Structures team Kendal, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council
SUBSCRIBE NOW

Latest Video

Subscribe to Highways today to ensure you keep your finger on the pulse of everything happening in the UK road network throughout the year.

SUBSCRIBE NOW