A proposed six-lane motorway bypass was scrapped in June 2019 by then-First Minister Mark Drakeford after over £150 million had already spent on preparatory work and planning.
In the Senedd debate, Welsh Conservative, Sam Rowlands MS, described the M4 relief road as a golden opportunity, not only to ease congestion for motorists but also to boost the economy.
Mr Rowlands told the Senedd: “At every step of this journey, there’s been indecision and money wasted. At the end of it all, it’s been the Welsh people who’ve had to suffer as a result. And nothing has been done to ease congestion around Newport ever since.”
Labour meanwhile criticised the Conservatives for “nothing better than decrying an old and discredited plan”.
Jenny Rathbone MS said: “If you’re in a hole, stop digging, the reason being that it was completely pointless to spend £1.5bn-plus – £2bn in reality – on a scheme that would only cause more congestion two or three years later. That is not a good way to spend money.”
Former Labour transport minister Lee Waters MS, who also previously headed up cycling organisation SUSTRANS, said he backed the Burns commission recommendations for rail and bus improvements between Cardiff and Newport to reduce the M4 traffic.
Current Labour transport secretary, Ken Skates MS added that the plans for five new railway stations in South East Wales will enable thousands of extra train journeys a year, reducing congestion on the M4 by offering a sustainable alternative.
Plaid Cymru’s Peredur Owen Griffiths MS criticised the Conservatives for calling for a new road through a site of special scientific interest, saying an affordable and environmentally sustainable solution was needed instead.
Senedd members voted against the motion for the construction of the M4 bypass by 32 votes to 12.
