CBI Wales responds to M4 decision

CBI Wales has commented on the First Minister's decision not to proceed with the M4 corridor around Newport. 

Ian Price, CBI Wales Director, said:

“This is a dark day for the Welsh economy.  After decades of deliberation and over £40m spent, no problem has been solved today. Congestion and road pollution around Newport can only increase. Economic growth will be stifled, confidence in the region will weaken and the cost of an eventual relief road will rise

“Today’s announcement is a short-term measure that regrettably solves nothing and sends the message that Wales is not open for business. 

“As the Welsh Government said at the public inquiry, the black route would emit less carbon emissions than the current road and the whole project would be carbon neutral by 2070. The wider south Wales region around Cardiff and Newport constitute only 4% of Welsh carbon emissions in total. That figure will now likely rise at a higher rate than if the black route had been built.

“While we struggle to see what alternative could be better than the M4 black route, the ball is back in the Welsh Government’s court to deliver their Plan B.  An urgent and credible solution to the problem of congestion around the Brynglas tunnels must now be developed.”