Written question WQ99168

While responsibility for the local road network within Newport, such as around High Cross, rests with Newport City Council, I fully recognise that congestion on the M4 around Newport is a significant contributing factor to pressures on the city’s roads. Addressing motorway conditions is therefore an important part of improving overall traffic flow within the city.

As the Member will be aware, I announced on 9 June a short, focused programme of work to explore measures that could make a meaningful difference to conditions on the M4 around Newport. This work will build on the substantial body of evidence already developed by previous governments and will consider what interventions may now be most effective and deliverable. I intend to report back to Members in the autumn term, setting out the outcome of this work and the Government’s proposed way forward.

Alongside this, our approach is increasingly focused on reducing reliance on private car use with the provision of public transport alternatives that make travel easier, cheaper and oftentimes, faster. We have now moved to a more regional model for transport delivery. The South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee has a key role in setting priorities and delivering the Regional Transport Plan, working closely with Transport for Wales, Newport City Council and other partners.

Any interventions, whether at High Cross or more broadly, need to be considered within that wider regional context - supporting more attractive public transport options, encouraging modal shift, tackling congestion, and ensuring that investment decisions are affordable, evidence-led and aligned with regional priorities.