PEOPLE living in and around Newport, and who have experience of the traffic problems on the M4 in and around the city, can now have their say on how best to tackle them, given that the relief road proposal will not now go ahead.

Lord Burns, chairman of the South East Wales Traffic Commission set up in the aftermath of last June's decision not to proceed with plans for an M4 Relief Road south of Newport, is keen to hear people's views ahead of the development of alternative measures.

"I have now become a regular visitor to Newport, a city rich in history, full of character, and with significant economic potential," said Lord Burns.

"It is well known that there are acute congestion issues on the M4 around Newport and other major roads in the area. What has also become clear to me recently is the difficulty in navigating the city by foot, bicycle or public transport.

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"As chair of the South East Wales Transport Commission, I have been tasked with tackling congestion by looking at alternatives to the M4 relief road.

"Later this year, we will put forward a package of measures designed to make a noticeable change for those who live and work within the communities of South East Wales, especially Newport.

"To achieve this, we need your local knowledge and insight to best understand and select the most appropriate transport options for the city and the region.

"To this end, I would like to ask you to take a few minutes to tell us your thoughts and ideas.

"You can feed back on any aspect of transport in Newport and its surrounding areas - from footpaths and cycle lanes to bus stops and train stations.

"It’s not a formal consultation - just a few simple questions - and you can give as much or as little detail as you wish.

"We will consider every idea submitted, and publish a summary along with our recommendations to Welsh Government on our website, www.gov.wales/south-east-wales-transport-commission.

"The website also has further information about the commission and its progress to date."

— Here's how you can share your views

To have your say, visit: https://HaveYourSaySEWT.commonplace.is (English) or

https://DweudEichDweudSEWT.commonplace.is (Welsh).

South Wales Argus: The public consultation website for the South East Wales Transport Commission.The public consultation website for the South East Wales Transport Commission.

  • Open the website and click ‘Have your Say’.
  • Move the map around and click/tap the geographical area for which you would like to comment. This could be a specific M4 junction, for example. You can also zoom in or out on the map to make this easier.
  • Once you’ve clicked/tapped your chosen area, a blue marker will appear on that location. You can now answer questions about that area. Here’s what you’ll be asked:
  • Identify the type of location. Is it a street, railway station, school?
  • How do you feel about transport at this location? You can answer by choosing from a variety of smiley faces.
  • What are you commenting on at this location? Is it car use, walking, public transport?
  • What three issues most negatively affect transport at this location? There are plenty of options to choose – from “lack of public transport options” to “slow journey times” and “poor quality air”. You’ll then be given a chance to write about those problems in more detail.
  • What three things would improve transport at this location? Again, there are plenty of options, such as “new train station”, “cheaper fares”, or “car sharing lane”.
  • You’ll then be asked if you would consider swapping your car for public transport on some journeys, if the improvements were made.

Alternatively, you can email your ideas to SEWTransportCommission@gov.wales