Member of the Senedd for Sir Fynwy Torfaen, Peter Fox, has criticised the lack of progress on improving congestion around Newport.

The Deputy Minister for Transport, Mark Hooper, announced in the Senedd recently that Welsh Government would now consider the findings of a report, assessing potential options, over a period of 18 months.

Some of the possibilities being considered by Ministers include the widening of the Brynglas Tunnels, works on the A48 and even the closure of junctions.

One of the quicker and cheaper alternatives is to ‘encourage’ HGV traffic onto the A465. Mr Fox has questioned if the infrastructure in and around Abergavenny could cope with such a marked increase of HGV traffic, and stated the solution is “not to send the M4’s congestion on a tour of Wales.”

The possible outcomes and lack of immediate action have been heavily criticised by politicians across Wales, with Mr Fox frustrated with the further 18-month delay before anything concrete can be put forward.

Mr Fox and his Conservative colleagues have reiterated the urgent need for an M4 relief, and have once again called on the Welsh Government to deliver it.

Local MS for Sir Fynwy Torfaen, Peter Fox, has said: “7 years since the M4 relief road was cancelled by Labour, we are no further along, yet motorists are still getting trapped daily in severe congestion.

“Some of the suggestions being put forward are quite frankly daft, and anything that moves traffic off the M4 and into our towns, cities and smaller roads will make it worse.

“We don’t need another 18-months to assess solutions when we all know the answer, a relief road.

“That is the only outcome that will solve the problem once and for all. My Conservative colleagues and I will continue to champion the building of the relief road.”