A campaign calling on government ministers to maintain access to motorway exits near Newport has attracted significant public backing in recent days.
Launched by Newport’s Labour branch, the initiative has accumulated over 2,600 names since its inception, with large numbers of local residents expressing solidarity with the cause.
An exclusive Argus conversation with Mark Hooper, the Deputy Minister for Transport, disclosed that officials were not eliminating the possibility of shutting down motorway exits throughout the city as part of efforts to resolve persistent traffic problems that have troubled Newport’s motorway for years.
He indicated that every alternative remains on the table within a wider approach to local traffic concerns.
Pressed on whether shutting exits could be definitively excluded, Mr Hooper responded that no choices have been finalised at present, including any proposals to close particular junctions.
The petition objects to this concept, arguing that closures would create additional traffic build-ups, heightened inconvenience and increased strain on the urban area.
The campaigners contend this would impact households, those travelling to work and neighbourhood enterprises, while placing undue stress on routes that are only starting to recover following prolonged periods of insufficient investment.
Councillor Rhian Howells, Newport City Council’s Cabinet Member for Assets and Infrastructure, stated that the Labour Council Leader in Newport, Dimitri Batrouni, has warned that closing the city’s motorway exits would result in chaos, and that Plaid Cymru keeping this option available demonstrates how unfamiliar they are with Newport and how urban centres function.
She warned this would only harm Newport’s residents, who would see their streets clogged with traffic, making routine activities such as dropping children at school and commuting significantly more difficult.
She added that the impact on commerce would be substantial, affecting both Newport’s expanding technology sector and established industries. This would have consequences for employment and the prospects of younger and future generations.
She emphasised that Newport continues to develop, and all possibilities that benefit the city must be investigated, including rail infrastructure, road networks, public transport and active travel options. A relief road, fully backed by Newport Labour, should form part of the equation.
She further noted that alongside Jayne Bryant MS, Jessica Morden MP and Ruth Jones MP, Newport Labour would persist in opposing any exit closures on behalf of all city residents, and urged locals to add their voices to the campaign.
Mr Hooper stressed that the Welsh Government is evaluating multiple measures rather than seeking one singular remedy.
He observed that no single approach would resolve M4 traffic issues, with solutions expected to combine various measures.
Additional information is anticipated to emerge later in the year, with the minister intending to share plans during the autumn season.