Lessons from December: Peter Fox Presses for Robust Plans on M4 and M48

Member of the Senedd for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has called for ‘robust’ contingency planning on the M4 and M48.

Following severe gridlock during December on the M4 and M48, caused by the perfect storm of planned roadworks, accidents and emergency repairs, Mr Fox has raised the issue with Welsh Government this week.

Emergency works in December on the M4 saw four of six lanes closed, whilst the M48 bridge was also closed due to winds, resulting in two motorways’ worth of traffic using one lane in each direction, causing severe tailbacks in all directions.

During his question to the Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, the Monmouth MS explained this situation showed how fragile this part of Monmouthshire was, and that residents were quite rightly asking what contingency planning was in place to avoid this.

In closing, Mr Fox asked the Welsh Government to make representations to the UK Government to ensure there is ‘robust’ planning in place for both crossings, to avoid a repeat of the chaos seen in December, once the works on the M48 begin.

Local MS for Monmouth, Peter Fox, has said:

“What we saw during December was nothing short of appalling. Two lanes of traffic to carry two motorways worth of vehicles is not sufficient, and it caused chaos.

“It was reported there were two-mile tailbacks, but from what I have been told, the actual extent was well into double figures.

“Local communities are broadly accepting of the need for the works to take place on the M48 crossing, but when they see situations like this, it rightly causes concern and worry.

“This part of Wales has been plagued by congestion for too long, and unless the Welsh Labour Government commit to an M4 relief road, it will never improve.

“I have asked the Cabinet Secretary to make representations to the UK Government to ensure proper planning is in place for these motorways, so that future works do not cause the same mayhem we saw in December.”