A neighbourhood councillor has urged changes to traffic light timing close to Newport’s railway station to prevent gridlock in the city centre.

Cllr David Fouweather reported that the two sets of traffic signals on Queensway stay red for excessive periods, with traffic at busy times stretching back to the Bridge Street roundabout and Old Green.

In an official request sent to a senior council figure, he asked officers to examine the signal timings at the station entrance and at the upper end of Cambrian Road, both of which function as pedestrian crossing points.

However, Cllr Rhian Howells, the cabinet member overseeing infrastructure, rejected the proposed alterations.

She pointed out that the crossings have been in place for over fifteen years and currently handle the considerable volume of users at the Railway Station and Devon Place active travel bridge.

The bridge, finished in 2023, allows walkers and cyclists to cross the railway tracks without having to walk around the station.

An old underpass below the tracks was closed to accommodate the bridge’s support structures.

Cllr Howells explained that the railway station approach had recently been improved to comply with contemporary standards and now requires suitable green signal time for pedestrians crossing Queensway.

Cllr Fouweather also raised concerns about the bus lane running from Old Green Roundabout towards the station.

He noted that the bus lane starts just after the roundabout exit and forces three traffic lanes into one, questioning whether it could be removed.

Cllr Howells replied that dedicated lanes are essential for keeping buses running to schedule, adding that the Queensway corridor connects major residential areas with the city centre.

The route also serves intercity bus and coach services, which provide greater access to employment and leisure while attracting visitors to support the local economy, she explained.

Preserving this bus lane is therefore vital for dependable service provision, the cabinet member continued.

Following this exchange, Cllr Fouweather insisted that the two Queensway signal installations continued to display red for unnecessarily long durations.

He noted that the city centre suffers from serious traffic delays, particularly when drivers seek alternative routes due to incidents on the M4 motorway, and maintained this further illustrated why the proposed revamp of Old Green Roundabout would be unwise.

Transport for Wales is managing that scheme, which may involve replacing the roundabout with a junction regulated by four-way traffic lights.

Supporters claim the project will improve links and public transport connections throughout the city.