GWENT AM William Graham is to re-ignite the debate over the M4 relief road next week after winning the weekly Assembly ballot.

Mr Graham, (pictured) who is also a Newport councillor, will put transport minister Sue Essex on the spot in the short debate next Thursday, March 21.

A decision on whether or not to build the road had been expected before Christmas, but was pushed back due to delays in producing the Assembly's transport strategy and the announcement of transport grants. Now officials confirm that an announcement will be made "soon".

Mr Graham was first name out of the hat on Tuesday to choose the topic for next week's debate. The short debate gives backbenchers a chance to raise any issue they wish to discuss for half an hour at the end of Thursday's plenary session.

Mr Graham told the Argus: "I want to find out what's going to happen. When I raised this with the first minister the last time he mentioned tolling might be an option. I will be saying that tolling is unacceptable. I believe the road should go ahead and we want to know when it will happen."

Mr Graham's argument, which he is preparing for next week's debate, will focus on the dangers created by congestion on the existing M4. Mr Graham, who commutes daily between Newport and Cardiff, said he had seen too many of these relatively minor accidents not to be concerned.

As well as the safety issue, the M4 relief road cuts across many Assembly areas of responsibility. Backers say it would be a huge boost to economic development, particularly in the light of the Corus job losses in south east Wales.

The road would also put an end to delays caused by the narrowing of the motorway at the Brynglas tunnels, they say.

However, road building is out of favour with politicians because of its financial and environmental cost. Recent statements from Ms Essex and Rhodri Morgan have hinted that they are not over enthusiastic about the road.