- Deputy Minister for Transport met to discuss progress in
tackling M4 congestion and new rail infrastructure in the south
east of Wales
- Developing positive working relationships with the UK
Government was agreed, with both citing the Railways Bill as a
real opportunity to make progress in this area, to help benefit
communities across the Wales and Borders network
The Deputy Minister for Transport, , met with this week to share views on the
future direction of transport policy and investment across Wales.
Top of the agenda was looking at the progress being made to
implement the recommendations of the Burns Review - tackling
vehicle congestion on the M4 and building new rail
infrastructure.
Following the meeting the Deputy Minister for Transport
said:
"It was good to meet with and confirm our shared views on
the key issues facing the future of transport in Wales. We were
both in agreement that negotiations with the UK Government need
to be accelerated to ensure Wales' interests are properly
represented.
"The Railways Bill is a great opportunity to develop these
working relationships with the UK Government so that we can
deliver real benefits for people in Wales and our border
communities, both now and in the future.
"Lord Burns brought an invaluable depth of knowledge to the
conversation, which I have no doubt will help strengthen future
discussions with the UK Government, ensuring the interests of
Welsh passengers are not overlooked by an overly centralised
Great British Railways."
, Chair of the Burns Review,
added:
The M4 congestion around Newport is an issue close to my heart. I
remain committed to helping to achieve the best options for
improving resilience, reliability and connectivity in Southeast
Wales.
The meeting this week has given me a valuable opportunity to
understand the priority issues and to discuss with the Deputy
Minister how we might address these challenges together.
"Better transport links are essential to the Welsh economy. They
enable businesses to grow and thrive, and make it easier for
people to travel, whether for work or leisure."
The Burns review recommended a package of 58 measures aimed at
creating a network of alternatives around Newport, including the
building of 6 new stations, 23 miles of new rapid bus lanes and
20 miles of new cycle lanes, alongside improved rail services,
enhanced bus networks and better integration between transport
modes.
The work aims to provide alternatives to journeys on the M4 and
encourage greater use of public transport and active travel
across the region.
