Vale of Clwyd MS and Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Sport, and North Wales, Gareth Davies MS, has called for urgent investment in transport infrastructure to unlock Wales economic potential. Mr Davies condemned the Welsh Government’s failure to deliver the M4 relief road, which had received £157 million in planning before being scrapped, calling it a stark example of a wider failure to invest in Wales’ transport infrastructure.
During a Welsh Conservative debate on the M4 relief road, he highlighted that despite over £150 million being spent, the project was cancelled without a single stretch of road being built, with a broader ban on roadbuilding put in place by the Welsh Government. He argued that this decision reflects a broader pattern of misplaced priorities and ideological policymaking, which is having a negative impact on the Welsh economy, in both the North and South. He pointed to continued congestion, increased pollution, and lost economic opportunities.
As Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Sport and North Wales, Mr Davies highlighted the damaging effects of poor transport links on the region’s economy, tourism sector, and everyday lives of residents. He stressed the need for renewed focus on practical, long-term investment in infrastructure to improve connectivity and unlock growth.
The Welsh Conservatives have consistently supported the M4 relief road and remain committed to improving infrastructure across Wales, working with the UK Government where necessary to deliver better outcomes for Welsh communities.
Commenting following the debate, Gareth said:
“The bottleneck of congestion around the Brynglass Tunnels on the M4 is symbolic of our economy which is also sitting at a standstill.
“Despite ploughing £157 million into the M4 relief road, the Welsh Government scrapped the project due to environmental concerns
“Having cars sitting in traffic does nothing to help our environment, but it does have a significant impact on our economy.
“The UK Conservative Government stumped up the cash for an overhaul of the North Wales Mainline and the M4 relief road, the UK and Welsh Labour Government’s need to demonstrate they care about Welsh transport infrastructure.”