Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

A freedom of information request has cast doubt on the Welsh Government’s claims about the safety of the M4 around Newport. A local resident in Newport queried the Welsh Government’s use of safety statistics at its M4 promotional exhibitions in September. The exhibitions told the Welsh public that “the current accident rates on the M4 between Magor and Castleton are higher than average for UK motorways” [1]. However the Welsh Government has revealed that the higher accident rates only applied to three of the six junctions, and for the years 2006-2008 [2]. Gareth Clubb, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said: “This is an extraordinary revelation. The Welsh Government claims that accident rates on the M4 are higher than the national average. But the data it used – described as “current” – was nearly a decade old. And even that data shows that for much of the stretch of motorway around Newport, accident rates are lower than the national average, and safety across that board has i...

The Welsh Government’s plans to build a six lane motorway through one of Wales’ most important wildlife habitats may be unlawful, according to advice given to an environment charity. Friends of the Earth Cymru has today launched a judicial review of the new M4 plans [1], after the Government refused to reconsider the decision to build through the highly protected Gwent Levels wetlands. A judge will now examine whether the Welsh Government unlawfully limited the range of reasonable alternatives, by only considering a new motorway south of Newport and two similar variations. They will also consider if the plan’s substantial damage to protected wildlife sites is permitted by law. Environment groups, transport experts and business representatives have all opposed the new motorway, with fears it could damage Wales’ environment and economy. Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, Gareth Clubb said: “This motorway would cause massive damage to important and protected wildlife. We think the We...

The Welsh Government has announced the go ahead for a six lane motorway that will plough through part of one of Wales’ most protected and environmentally sensitive landscapes. The £1 billion motorway will devastate nationally important wildlife sites in the beautiful and peaceful Gwent Levels south of Newport, but will not be open to traffic for more than a decade. The massive cost will rule out other far less damaging options that could bring transport improvements to the area in a fraction of the time and at a fraction of the price. Environment groups such as Friends of the Earth Cymru, RSPB Cymru and the Gwent Wildlife Trust, transport expert Professor Stuart Cole from Cardiff University, and business representatives including the Federation of Small Businesses have all opposed the plan, with fears it could trash Wales’ environment and economy. Gareth Clubb, Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said: “This vastly expensive, utterly unnecessary and terribly damaging motorway is t...

Welsh Government plans to build a motorway across the Gwent Levels could quash any hope of electrification of the Valleys Lines. That’s the view of environmental coalition, the Campaign Against the Levels Motorway (CALM). Recent controversy [1] over who pays for electrification of the Valleys Lines could mean that the Welsh Government ends up being faced with a choice between footing the £400 million electrification bill [2] and building a motorway. CALM Spokesperson Gareth Clubb said: “If UK Government Ministers are to be believed, the Welsh Government has agreed to pay for electrification of the Valleys Line. But at the same time, Edwina Hart is pushing ahead with plans to build a hugely expensive, environmentally destructive motorway through the Gwent Levels. “The Welsh Government hasn’t got a bottomless pot of money for transport projects. At some point it’s going to have to make a choice. So will it choose a motorway of questionable benefit for the few, or better public transport ...

Firefighters had to use three hose reel jets in order to extinguish a car "well ablaze" on the M4 near Hendy. Numerous calls were made to the fire service after a car was seen in flames, but two fire crews attended the scene. More on this story and pictures in the headline link to the Llanelli Star.

Off to see my pals at Healing The Wounds, the Welsh charity which helps treat victims of PTSD.