IN RESPONSE to Robert Frost (Letters, February 11), whilst Gwent Police are primary responders, along with the Fire and Ambulance service, the collision on the M4 on February 4th was a multi-agency incident involving South Wales Trunk Road Agent (SWTRA) and Newport City Council. Gwent Police left the scene of the incident some two hours prior to the carriageway being reopened as it needed to be cleaned and repaired by SWTRA to ensure the safety of all road users.

Gwent Police has a legal obligation to investigate incidents of this nature, particularly where victims receive serious injuries. We look to establish the cause of a collision and the investigation into this incident remains active at this time.

The decision to shut a motorway is not taken lightly and we are well aware of the consequences and disruption that it causes. However there are occasions, as in this case, where this is the right thing to do. Whilst I apologise for the inconvenience that this caused you and the wider community, the police and emergency services often have to make decisions that will not please everybody but are required to ensure the safety of the general public and emergency services staff.

Chief Inspector Paul Evans Gwent Police