Terms of reference

The Commission will consider the problems, opportunities, challenges and objectives for tackling congestion on the M4 in south east Wales, and make recommendations to the Welsh Government on a suite of alternative solutions in the light of the First Minister’s statement of 4 June 2019 that the ‘Black Route’ proposal should not proceed.

The Commission will consider the views of all stakeholders including the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales, the Future Generations Commissioner, business groups, social partners, environmental groups, transport users’ groups, local and national political representatives and of course the public.

The Commission will consider the needs of current and future generations, taking into account immediate problems and future trends, such as the impact of alternative fuels and connected and autonomous vehicles.

The Commission will take into account the report of the Commission on Climate Change and other social, economic, cultural and environmental issues, including air quality.

The Commission will consider the behavioural issues which lie behind the continued growth in road-based transport in Wales, and how solutions might respond to those factors.

The Commission will advise on innovative interventions and funding solutions.  It may consider any issues, including governance, costs, financing, planning approach and programme/project management and may recommend improvements to statutory processes.

The Commission will have access to the South East Wales Transport Planning Model, and to the full library of information available to the M4 Project Public Inquiry.

The Commission will operate independently of the Welsh Government. It will be supported by a Secretariat comprising Welsh Government officials and secondees as required.

The Commission will report on its interim findings, with recommendations for immediate practical interventions, within six months of its formation.