South Wales Central Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies has warned repeated closures of the Prince of Wales Bridge pose significant economic risks for the Vale of Glamorgan.
Lying on the M4 corridor, the Vale’s economy depends on functioning infrastructure and transport links with the Bristol and the South Wales of England.
Mr Davies pointed out this was “far more important” for jobs in the Vale than links with Mid and North Wales.
Speaking in the Senedd, Mr Davies spoke of the impact closures were having on local businesses, and requested a statement from Senedd ministers on interactions they’ve had with the UK Government highways agency to minimise the impacts.
Mr Davies said:
“The Prince of Wales Bridge is crucial to the economy of South Wales.
“Plaid Cymru separatists won’t like me saying this, but the Vale of Glamorgan relies on economic connections with the South West of England, far more so than Mid or North Wales. Good regional connectivity is key.
“Repeated closures of the Bridge detriment local businesses severely. Those in power must act to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.”
ENDS
NOTE: Please find below the Senedd’s record of proceedings from Tuesday 9th December
Andrew RT Davies
15:17:17
Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer. Could I seek two statements, please, leader of the house? One on the closure of the Prince of Wales bridge this morning and, over recent weeks, considerable closure times due to maintenance issues. It went under severe maintenance pressure over the last summer when that maintenance work ran on. It’s causing a major economic problem with the regular closing, now, of that bridge to operators in my own region of South Wales Central, and yet we hear very little from the Welsh Government about how they’re interacting with the UK Government highways agency to minimise those closures. So, a statement from the transport Minister would be appreciated.
Jane Hutt
15:18:35
Well, of course, in terms of the first question that you raised, I’ve already responded to the impact and implications of storm Bram, which has had a major impact on our infrastructure, including our Prince of Wales bridge, but also, of course, this is maintenance that has to be carried out as well. So, I think weather events and infrastructure needs have caused those difficulties in terms of the Prince of Wales bridge. But thank you for raising it. Clearly, it has had an impact, particularly today.