GWENT politicians have condemned a proposal to shut M4 junctions around Newport in a bid to ease congestion.

The idea is one of a range of options being considered by Capita Gwent Consultancy, who were commissioned by the Assembly to look at delays on the vital link.

Accidents around the Brynglas Tunnels regularly cause long delays, raising concerns about road safety and the economic effects.

Last year Welsh Secretary Peter Hain told the Argus that the best solution would be to build an M4 relief toll road bypassing the tunnels altogether. An Assembly spokeswoman said that this was not one of the options currently being considered.

The spokeswoman said: "Capita Gwent are collecting extensive data about traffic flow and other issues, and advise on better options for making better use of the existing infrastructure."

Capita's report will not be passed to Transport Minister Andrew Davies for several weeks.

Rosemary Butler, AM for Newport West, said: "I fail to see how any junction closures between junctions 24 and 28 can be a tool for improving traffic flow through the Brynglas Tunnels. In fact, I would welcome the re-opening of Junction 25 to allow westbound traffic to exit the motorway instead of having to leave at Junction 26 and use Malpas Road in order to travel to Caerleon and Cwmbran.

"The closure of any junctions would have the knock- on effect of increasing congestion on Newport's inner- city roads.

"A more sustainable approach needs to be sought. The Assembly has already taken steps to help improve traffic flow along the M4, with the creation of the new digital display signs.

"But I believe an M4 relief road is the only long-term solution." Assembly Member for south-east Wales and Newport councillor William Graham also believed that any closure of junctions around Newport would cause further traffic chaos and damage the economy.

Mr Graham said: "The M4 acts as a bypass for drivers around Newport. If access were restricted, then traffic in Newport would become unbearable. "What we need is an M4 relief road, possibly using similar Private Finance Initiative funding to the Southern Distributor Road."