Congestion on the M4, high tolls at the Severn Crossing and the exclusion of south Wales from High Speed 2 proposals are hampering the region’s economy a Parliamentary report has warned.

The Commons’ Welsh Affairs Committee said last week that the M4 has suffered from under investment and congestion for too long and that UK and Welsh Governments should work together to find funding for improvements. It claims that high tolls on the crossing are deterring inward investment to Wales and the lack of a high speed rail proposal to south Wales means businesses and residents may relocate across the border to England.

The committee added that 138M journeys take place across the English and Welsh border each year and maintaining good transport links between the two countries is essential.

Committee chairman David Davies MP said: “We have long warned of the damage that is done to the Welsh economy by the high toll on the Severn Crossings and if anything that situation is worsening. The Crossings have accumulated a huge and apparently unforeseen debt which now risks delaying the badly needed reduction in toll levels.”

He added that UK and Welsh Governments should also focus on bringing Wales into proposals for developing the high speed railway network.

High speed rail campaign group Greengauge 21 director Jim Steer added: “It is crucial for the economic development of Wales to be part of the high speed rail revolution. Wales must not get left behind.”

(Photo: Martin Edwards)

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