Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies raised the Welsh Government’s controversial Roads Review in the House of Commons last week, emphasising the identified need for improvements on the A55-A494 route.
Last June, the Welsh Government announced that it would be freezing new road building projects as part of its plans to deal with the carbon emissions, with an expert panel being appointed to review all road projects in Wales.
Questioning the Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart MP, in the House of Commons on Wednesday, James asked what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the impact of Roads Review and how it might affect plans for UKNET, a strategic transport network spanning the entire United Kingdom.
James said:
“Five years ago, the A55-A494 Network Resilience Study, commissioned by the Welsh Government, recognised the strategic importance of the route and the fact that it is often above capacity and vulnerable to disruption. How does my right hon. Friend believe the Roads Review may impact on plans for UKNET, a high-performing strategic transport network for the whole of the United Kingdom?"
The Secretary of State for Wales said he has regular discussions with the Welsh Government on cross border connectivity, but described Labour's plans as "more of a roadblock than a road review" and urged the Welsh Government "to focus on investment and on delivering their 2016 manifesto commitments to sort out the M4 relief road and various other vital links."
He added:
“I know both the roads that my hon. Friend refers to - I travel on them regularly - and I am well aware of their importance to his constituency and the region’s economic future.
“The UK Government’s contribution to the road infrastructure is second to none. Some liaison is clearly necessary with the Welsh Government about certain aspects of that. We hope that they will publish their strategy soon and look again at their road strategy, because a simple moratorium on road improvements and new roads is not the way to restore economic prosperity in his area or anywhere else.”
Speaking afterwards, James said:
“I couldn’t agree more with the Secretary of State’s response.
“We are clambering out of a global pandemic and we desperately need to boost the economy here in North Wales. Roads are essential in delivering prosperity across the region and it is disappointing that the Welsh Government doesn’t seem to recognise that.
“I too urge Labour Ministers to review their stance on this and provide our neglected roads with the investment they desperately need - alongside the transition to zero emission vehicles.”
