Newport City Council has voiced ‘strong concerns’ over air quality impacts if the Welsh Government proceeds with the controversial M4 relief road.
Evidence to be considered by the public inquiry into the scheme says Newport council expects the completed road, intended to bypass a motorway bottleneck at Newport, to benefit air quality.
But the authority states: ‘However, we have strong concerns regarding the construction of the scheme on air quality.’
The council expects construction to take at least four years and requests additional annual funding for mitigation, including a Heavy Goods Vehicle management scheme to reduce lorry movements across the city and provision of electric vehicle charge points.
It also urges that travel plans are provided, and adhered to, for workers and lorries, with park and ride services for site staff.
Cardiff CC’s evidence, dated July 2016, says the council was not then in a position to support or oppose the scheme before further assessment of potential impacts on highways, environment and economic development.
Monmouthshire CC supports the scheme in principle.
Rogiet Community Council objects ‘most vehemently’, while Magor with Undy Community Council warns of detrimental local impacts and claims the government has not fully considered the ‘Blue Route’ alternative, which would upgrade existing roads.
The public inquiry starts on 28 February.
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