CAMPAIGNERS for and against the M4 relief road have united in welcoming the news that a decision will be made soon.

The Argus revealed last week that transport minister Sue Essex was likely to reach a decision before Christmas.

"It needs to be decided," said Brian Hancock, AM for Islwyn. "I hope we can have an imaginative alternative scheme to solve the problem, but I'm not in favour of tolling. That will only put more pressure on existing roads."

A groundbreaking five-year survey of the effect on congestion of different possible solutions found that only tolling would provide an effective long-term alternative to building another motorway.

Mr Hancock, whose Plaid Cymru colleagues opposed building the motorway on environmental grounds at committee, added: "It's one of the most difficult decisions in Welsh politics."

Ms Essex, who has a reputation as an environmentalist, has previously said the options are "very depressing"".

Opposition to the road has also come from North Wales where AMs dislike the idea that Newport will be the main beneficiary of such huge investment. It is an idea that supporters of the scheme are keen to address.

A spokeswoman for Newport council said: "We strongly support the need for an M4 relief road. The council believes that it will play an important role in bringing economic success not just to Newport and South-east Wales but also to South-west Wales."

A point echoed by Newport West AM Rosemary Butler. She said: "Personally I can't see the economic development strategy being successful unless people are able to move around freely. Blockage at the Brynglas Tunnels only causes congestion in town and prevents companies from moving further west. The benefits of the relief road would be enormous."

But the costs, around £340 million - 11 times the Assembly's annual road building budget - would be equally enormous.

The Assembly's transport committee appeared to rule out the second M4, in February, 2000.