Reinstate investment in much-needed new roads, RHA urges Welsh Government

We’ve called on the Welsh Government to reinstate plans for new roads, to boost the Welsh economy.

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters announced a freeze on new road building projects whilst a review of highway schemes is underway.

He told the Senedd that they needed to do more to meet 2050 net zero targets and should shift away from spending money on projects that encourage more people to drive.

RHA Regional Operations Manager for Wales, Rhys Williams slammed the move and said halting crucial infrastructure projects will make Wales unattractive to business; plans for the much-needed Deeside "Red Route", the Llandeilo bypass, and a third Anglesey crossing will be frozen following the announcement.

He said: “Wales needs a fit-for-purpose road network to boost trade. The green claims are simply incoherent. It makes no sense to stifle movement, increase congestion and reduce productivity to achieve targets that will be met by other means such as cleaner air vehicle technology.”

Roads are good – they encourage business and communities to thrive. Freezing new road building ahead of the review was effectively arriving at the conclusion before it’s even taken place, he added.

We look forward to receiving the terms of reference for the proposed panel. We hope it will be representative of the wider community including businesses who depend on roads, and consider the full infrastructure needs of Wales.

We continue to urge ministers to revive plans for a M4 Relief Road. Speed reduction measures on the congestion-plagued M4 Newport Corridor have failed to disperse traffic. Members regularly report delays on the vital trade route.