Is Black Route the best way forward?

THE latest difficulty the Welsh Government finds itself in over the M4 relief road was easily predictable.

ABP, the owner of Newport Docks, made it clear years ago that the preferred Black Route created very serious problems for the functioning of what continues to be a port that is vital for the Welsh economy.

Clearly there have been some significant discussions behind the scenes which culminated in the announcement from Economy and Transport Secretary Ken Skates yesterday that a further £135m will have to be spent to satisfy the concerns of ABP.

It seems likely that the Welsh Government had growing concerns of its own, possibly emanating from the public inquiry into the relief road project, that ABP’s objections could derail the scheme.

There is no doubt that action needs to be taken to alleviate traffic congestion on the M4 around Newport. But the latest stumbling block adds further credibility to the notion that an alternative, and less expensive, route may be preferable. Employer organisations have taken different views. While the CBI has been steadfast in its support for the Black Route, the FSB has warned that a solution to traffic congestion should be available much sooner.

News that the Black Route, even if approved, could not be completed until 2023 shores up the FSB’s case.

At some stage next year the Severn Bridges are due to have their tolls removed – another cause that has proved victorious after a long campaign. But welcome though the scrapping of the tolls will be to businesses and motorists, there will be consequences, not all of them good. There will immediately be an increase in M4 traffic, adding to the existing pinch points around Newport.

Also, the trend for the area between Chepstow and Newport to become more of a commuter dormitory for people working in Bristol will accelerate.

House prices that are currently significantly lower than those on the east side of the Severn are likely to shoot up, making them less affordable for locals.

The lack of progress on the much-vaunted South Wales Metro public transport system is another frustration.

Encouraging people to travel on buses and trains is an alternative way of reducing traffic, but before promised infrastructure improvements are made, it’s difficult to tempt people out of their cars.

The extra money needed for the Black Route is also a snub to those who have been arguing in favour of spreading transport cash around Wales, rather than concentrating such a high proportion of available cash in the south east of the country.

In addition there are major environmental concerns.

It’s important to wait for the result of the public inquiry, but in the New Year AMs have a duty to reconsider whether the Black Route really is the best way forward for the Welsh economy.