Welsh Shadow Minister for Minister for Economy, Business, and Infrastructure Russel George MS has criticised the report into plans to tackle congestion on the M4 which he says do not put sufficient emphasis on the need for a relief road. Mr George said, “Let’s be clear: Welsh Conservatives are firm believers in tackling the problem of congestion on the M4 … [Read more...]
Big ‘staycation’ getaway expected this week
An estimated 18m leisure trips will be taken by car this weekend, 1.8m more than last year as drivers seek to make the most of what is the last bank holiday before Christmas in most of the UK, says RAC Breakdown. Despite the summery weather taking a leave of absence, the figures suggest traffic could be bumper-to-bumper on some popular routes as families … [Read more...]
M4 congestion report bypasses facts, says logistics group
The report published last week by the South East Wales Transport Commission that aims to tackle congestion on the M4 bypasses the key role which freight plays in sustaining the communities and industry in Wales, according to the business group which represents the logistics sector. “Disappointingly, the report overlooks the key role which logistics plays … [Read more...]
Roads, pollution and fuels focus fleet minds, says Arval Mobility report
Road infrastructure, Clean Air Zones and the adoption of alternative fuels top the list of challenges reported by fleet and mobility managers over the next five years. The finding comes from authoritative new research in the Arval Mobility Observatory, which gains insight from businesses via a wide ranging set of questions to uncover broader trends and … [Read more...]
Public transport and tolls key to easing M4 jams
Only a massive shake-up in public transport will relieve M4 congestion around Newport, is the preliminary finding of the South East Wales Transport Commission, but it also hints at road charging congestion tolls to deter peak time users. The report’s findings follow detailed analysis work and stakeholder engagement after it was set up by Welsh Government … [Read more...]
Jams & bigger bills for commuters
Longer jams and higher insurance premiums will welcome commuters when lockdown ends with indications of an almost doubling in private cars being used to replace public transport, particularly in Wales. Millions of drivers could see a spike in their motor insurance premiums in the coming months as the number of people driving to work increases and face … [Read more...]
Sunday drive: On the road and in the news 14 June
Despite the roads-of-life starting to reopen with shops, businesses, car manufacturers and dealerships getting the wheels of business moving again, I’m still sifting through automotive news you might have missed until my first new model road test car arrives at the end of this week, says a hopeful David Miles. But for the foreseeable future the availability … [Read more...]
“Totally inadequate” M4 plans criticised
Proposals to ease jams on the M4 around Newport have been extensively criticised by lorry and logistics companies. Following South East Wales Transport Commission’s recommendations to introduce several congestion relieving measures on the M4, announced before Christmas, FTA’s Head of Welsh Policy, Sally Gilson said it they were “totally … [Read more...]
Opinion: Size matters in congestion & emissions battle
The motor industry is facing doom and gloom or opportunity and expansion, depending on your viewpoint, writes Robin Roberts. Whatever happens with Brexit at the end of this month and its implications for Britain, a bigger sea change for the industry has been underway for some time. Environmental issues have driven the move towards electrification of … [Read more...]
Wales transport links will suffer without Brexit deal
Almost immediately a no deal Brexit could cause severe disruption to the transport network and connected services within Wales. Ken Skates, Minister for Economy and Transport said, “We are already seeing this impact as we have to make decisions on the assumption that we will crash out of the EU without a deal at the end of October. “Whilst emergency works … [Read more...]
