Ken Skates AM, Minister for Economy and Transport
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
On 05 June 2019, I issued a statement setting out the next steps, following the First Minister’s decision not to proceed with the M4 Relief Road project. In it, I set out a range of short term measures that my officials would be considering that could provide immediate benefits.
I am pleased with the progress that has been made to date with additional traffic officers now in place in the Newport area of the M4; live journey time information being displayed on variable message signs; social media updates being provided through @TrafficWalesS to highlight issues on the network and further targeted campaigns being planned to address specific issues.
The arrangements in place over the summer period to assist with free recovery of vehicles, are now being developed into a plan for high visibility patrols of heavy recovery for major events and bank holidays.
In addition to these measures, I advised that an independent commission, chaired by Lord Burns, was to be established and I am pleased to announce this process is now complete.
7 Commissioners have been appointed and the experience and expertise that each will bring to the commission is impressive.
They are:
Peter Jones
Professor of transport and sustainable development at University College London.
Lynn Sloman
Founder and Director of Transport for Quality of Life, a specialist environmental and sustainable transport consultancy.
Stephen Gifford
Transport economist and National Infrastructure Commission for Wales member.
Elaine Seagriff
A strategic transport planner, with Transport for London experience in developing sustainable and integrated strategy for the city.
James Davies
An experienced businessman, Chair of Industry Wales and a Member of the Economy and Transport Ministerial Advisory Board.
Jen Heal
Design Adviser for the Design Commission for Wales and an experienced urban designer.
Beverly Owen
Strategic Director - Place, includes regeneration, environment and transport strategy - Newport City Council.
I remain committed to taking an inclusive, and collaborative approach to finding innovative, affordable and sustainable solutions in the shortest possible timescale and the commission will be working with stakeholders to achieve that ambition.
I look forward to receiving the commission’s first update at the end of this year.