THE controversial M4 relief road plan was pronounced dead yesterday ^ thanks to escalating costs and a little-known fish. Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones, who is also the Minister for Economy and Transport, announced Wales^ first ever integrated National Transport Plan (NTP).
Most attention was focused inevitably on the cancellation of the M4 project. Business groups have complained for years about congestion along the existing motorway, particularly around the Brynglas tunnels in Newport.
Mr Jones said that, five years ago, the cost of building the relief route was estimated at ^340m. Now, however, it would cost as much as ^1bn.
One element of the increase is construction inflation, but much more significant in the price hike is the need to protect the Area of Special Scientific Interest at the Gwent Levels and its most distinguished resident, the twaite shad. The fish is protected under European law.
Instead of proceeding with the new motorway route, the Assembly Government will upgrade the existing road network.
This will involve encouraging drivers on local journeys not to use the motorway. The southern distributor road south of Newport will be upgraded, and a seven-mile route which is currently a private dual carriageway through the Corus Llanwern site will be upgraded and opened to the public.
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Another controversial decision was to scrap plans to build a new access road to Cardiff Airport.
Instead, the Assembly Government will provide a dedicated bus service to the airport, more frequent train services and improve safety on the A4226. An extensive consultation was carried out on a number of potential road schemes for the area, including building a new road.
The study highlighted that, while the proposed new road could provide benefits to the area, only a fraction of those benefits were associated with access to the airport. The consultation also raised significant concerns about the environmental effects along the proposed route and, together with the cost of the scheme, Mr Jones concluded this option should not be taken forward.
The decision was criticised by Vale of Glamorgan
MP▸ John Smith, who said: "Ieuan Wyn Jones^ announcement today is reckless for the future of the Welsh economy. This decision is economic lunacy. This is exactly the type of infrastructure project the Welsh economy needs to weather the current economic storms. The local planning authority, the owners of Cardiff Airport and the South Wales business community backed my calls for the immediate construction of the road because it would have created jobs for local people, improved South-East Wales^ connectivity to the M4 and opened up huge new business opportunities for Welsh-based suppliers to the planned Defence Technical College at St Athan".
It also emerged that Mr Jones had
rejected plans to consider shutting some rural railways and replace them with bus routes.
As part of the improvements to public transport, passengers will, in due course, be able to buy through tickets covering both train and bus journeys.
The long-awaited train service linking Ebbw Vale with Newport is due to open in 2011.
Mr Jones said the aim of the NTP is to ensure a system of transport fit for the 21st century based on three key principles:
1. to meet the demand for enhanced mobility which will enable economic growth and improve the quality of life for the people of Wales;
2. to put transport onto a more sustainable and less carbon-intensive path, and
3. to use transport funding more effectively in light of increased pressures on public finances.
Mr Jones said: "Transport is a consistent thread that contributes to the success of many Welsh Assembly Government strategies. Newly acquired powers have given us the opportunity to use that thread to weave together the patchwork of transport provision across the nation, from roads to railways, and buses to bicycles.
But there is more we must do. We must work towards a de-carbonised transport system, where people are able to choose healthier and more sustainable modes of travel. That is why we are aiming to increase the number of people walking or cycling. In our programme for Sustainable Travel Towns we will invest in new, and link, existing walking and cycling routes. Across the wider network, we have plans to increase the provision of bicycle facilities on trains, at stations and in towns and cities".
Mr Jones said that in developing the transport system the Assembly Government would continue to support economic prosperity, especially when faced with the challenges of an economic downturn.
The NTP is set out in a way that reflects the four main movement corridors in Wales ^ east-west in the north, mid and south, and north-south. There are also proposals that are relevant across Wales. The proposals for the main corridors share two aims ^ to improve the reliability, quality and speed of rail and to improve journey times and safety on the main trunk roads.
As a user of the VoG line, I must say I'd be quite happy with that proposal to go ahead.
