Talks held over M4 congestion and new rail infrastructure

Mark Mansfield

Efforts to tackle congestion on the M4 and improve rail infrastructure have been discussed by Wales’ deputy transport minister and the author of a major review into transport problems around Newport.

Mark Hooper met Lord Burns this week to discuss progress on the recommendations of the Burns Review and future transport investment across Wales.

The meeting also covered relations with the UK Government, with both identifying the Railways Bill as an opportunity to improve cooperation over the Wales and Borders network.

The Burns Review recommended 58 measures intended to provide alternatives to travelling on the M4 around Newport.

They included six new railway stations, 23 miles of rapid bus lanes and 20 miles of cycle lanes, alongside improved rail services, better bus networks and greater integration between different forms of transport.

Following the meeting, Mr Hooper said: “It was good to meet with Lord Burns and confirm our shared views on the key issues facing the future of transport in Wales. We were both in agreement that negotiations with the UK Government need to be accelerated to ensure Wales’ interests are properly represented.

“The Railways Bill is a great opportunity to develop these working relationships with the UK Government so that we can deliver real benefits for people in Wales and our border communities, both now and in the future.

“Lord Burns brought an invaluable depth of knowledge to the conversation, which I have no doubt will help strengthen future discussions with the UK Government, ensuring the interests of Welsh passengers are not overlooked by an overly centralised Great British Railways.”

Congestion

The Burns Review was established to examine alternatives to a new section of M4 south of Newport and proposed a package of public transport and active travel improvements intended to reduce reliance on the motorway.

Lord Burns said congestion around Newport remained a priority.

He said: “The M4 congestion around Newport is an issue close to my heart. I remain committed to helping to achieve the best options for improving resilience, reliability and connectivity in Southeast Wales.

“The meeting this week has given me a valuable opportunity to understand the priority issues and to discuss with the Deputy Minister how we might address these challenges together.

“Better transport links are essential to the Welsh economy. They enable businesses to grow and thrive, and make it easier for people to travel, whether for work or leisure.”

The Welsh Government said the work on the Burns recommendations is intended to give people alternatives to using the M4 and encourage greater use of public transport and active travel across south-east Wales.

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