Logistics UK welcomes calls to deliver a solution to reduce congestion on the M4 around Newport

Business group Logistics UK has welcomed recognition that a tangible solution to the M4 around Newport needs to be found, with agreement from Plaid Cymru, Welsh Reform UK, Welsh Conservatives and Welsh Labour that changes to the road around Newport and Brynglas Tunnels are required. The delivery of an M4 solution will be crucial for addressing congestion and unlocking economic growth across Wales.

The Welsh Government have confirmed they are looking at a ‘roads-based solution’. Mark Hooper, the Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Transport, reaffirmed that the original M4 Relief Road (“Black Route”) would not be revived, arguing that it is no longer a deliverable option, due to the decades of work that would be required prior to construction and the need for a solution that solves current congestion problems. The Welsh Government will pursue a package of shorter-term operational improvements and longer-term road engineering solutions around Newport.

Rather than reinstating the 2019 Black Route, the Welsh Government have confirmed they will undertake an 18-month programme to develop engineering and roads-based solutions for the corridor. This will be followed by a five-year programme of targeted interventions, including junction and traffic-flow improvements and potentially some local access changes.

As Logistics UK’s Chief Executive Ben Fletcher explained, businesses depend on a smooth-running road network to deliver essential goods and keep the Welsh economy moving:

“The majority of goods moved across Wales are handled by road transport, with operators reliant on key corridors to ensure households, businesses and public services have what they need. The M4 is a vital lifeline which our members use every day, but the significant congestion and resulting delays along this route are impacting businesses’ ability to deliver on time, which adds cost for everyone.

“A long-term solution to alleviate the traffic is sorely needed to reduce congestion and improve reliability for logistics operators, fostering growth across all of Wales. We support calls for immediate action to be taken on the M4, which we have long campaigned for.

“I met the Deputy Minister for Transport recently and confirmed our support for his decision to move on from the previous cancelled plan. We now hope that work on a tangible congestion solution will accelerate quickly with the support of all parties.”

Business group Logistics UK champions the logistics sector, the backbone of the UK economy and global trade, providing a unique, authoritative voice for its members. As the only trade association representing the whole industry, it supports more than 22,000 members, operating in road, rail, waterways, sea and air freight, in ports, airports and warehousing, as well as the customers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers. The group delivers industry representation, services and thought leadership to support a sector that is critical to economic growth, employing 8% of the UK workforce, contributing £175 billion in annual GVA and enabling over a £1 trillion of international trade.