Transport Connectivity 2023-07-05
2023-07-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
There are ongoing issues with M4 congestion and rail infrastructure needs improvements.
I am concerned about the recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on improving transport connectivity between south Wales and south-west England, particularly regarding the £2.7 million provided for M4 congestion solutions and rail infrastructure improvements.
I have regular discussions with Cabinet colleagues to discuss transport links between Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom. The UK Government have recently provided £2.7 million to develop solutions to M4 congestion and deliver improvements to rail infrastructure.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The A303 has been upgraded, but the M4 route faces delays and congestion.
Routes such as the A303 from the south-west to London have been upgraded to ease congestion and boost the economy, but for those travelling to Cardiff along the M4, delays and congestion persist. What are the barriers to getting the vital upgrades that that route needs?
I am afraid to say that the barrier is the Welsh Labour Government, who have decided that they will, as a matter of policy, end all new road-building projects in Wales, and, on top of that, bring in speed limits and road user charging. That is bad for jobs, bad for commuters and bad for the economy of Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
specific barriers to M4 upgrades
Blaming Welsh Labour Government
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Multiple reports recommend upgrading the south Wales main line and building new stations.
The Government have woefully underinvested in Welsh rail. The Burns commission and the union connectivity review all point to what the Government should do: upgrade the south Wales main line and build new stations, such as in Magor. When will the Government invest?
There is a project going through the business case process to improve the freight lines on the south Wales line to enable passenger services to run on it. I believe that there will be announcements about this shortly, when the new rail network enhancements pipeline programme comes out.
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Assessment & feedback
specific investment commitment and timeline
Project Is Under Review
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
HS2 will not reach Wales, and current services are unreliable and expensive.
Not a single mile of High Speed 2 track will reach Wales, and current services between Wales and England are woefully unreliable and expensive. What steps will the Secretary of State and the Government take to improve that and ensure that those living in Wales actually benefit from HS2?
The HS2 project, proposed by the last Labour Government and supported by the Opposition, will benefit passengers in north Wales. The Government are committed to passengers across the whole of Wales, with £390 million spent on a range of improvements and the south Wales metro system part of the Cardiff capital region growth deal.
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Assessment & feedback
specific steps for improving rail services in Wales
Hs2 Benefits Mentioned But No Specific Improvements
Response accuracy