Byron Davies AM
Two separate road crashes have today demonstrated how Wales’ road network is not fit for purpose, Welsh Conservatives claimed today.
A crash involving a school coach on the M4 near Newport closed the motorway in both directions between junctions 24 and 28.
An accident on the westbound section of the A55 near the Britannia Bridge closed a section of the main arterial route through North Wales.
Byron Davies AM, Shadow Minister for Transport, said:
“While our immediate thoughts are with those who have suffered injuries, the fragility of Wales’ transport network has once again been laid bare.
“Successive traffic incidents have demonstrated that after 15 years of successive Labour governments, Wales’ road network is not fit for purpose.
“During the years of plenty Welsh Labour dithered over plans to upgrade Wales’ transport infrastructure, which is creaking under the weight of daily traffic congestion.”
William Graham, Assembly Member for South Wales East, who has campaigned for an M4 relief road, said:
“This serious accident demonstrates yet again how one incident on the M4 can close an entire stretch of the main arterial route through South Wales, doing immeasurable damage to our economy.
“It is welcome that the Conservative-led Coalition has acted to facilitate the construction of an M4 relief road to ease pressure around Newport.
“The Welsh Labour Government must now hurry up with plans to start building the M4 relief road to prevent the regular harm and inconvenience that M4 gridlock causes for businesses, tourists and commuters.”
Antoinette Sandbach, Assembly Member for North Wales, who has campaigned for upgrades to the A55, said:
“This accident, together with daily gridlock on the A55, shows how the main route across North Wales is in desperate need of upgrading.
“I have campaigned for the A55 to become a six lane highway along the North Wales coast, making it easier for businesses to invest in North Wales and improve links with the West Midlands and North West of England.
“After 15 years of inaction under successive Labour Governments, we need Labour Ministers to act to improve the A55 to help it cope with not only current traffic levels, but fit for further growth in demand.”
