I’d like to begin by thanking the Member for his contribution and say that I also share his view that doing nothing is not an option. However, the inspector will look at the option of doing nothing and, indeed, the impact of that, moving forward.

In terms of the Severn bridge tolls, well, part of the inquiry as well will be to scrutinise the traffic-modelling work that is taking place, including looking at what the likely impact of reducing or, indeed, abolishing the Severn tolls would have on congestion and on the use of the M4 motorway.

If we just touch on the history, because I think it’s only fair in reference to the blue route if we just reflect on the fact that work on the M4 has been debated and discussed now for 25 years. It’s time that we examined thoroughly, in an independent, transparent way, all options. Now, in terms of the blue route, strategic studies have shown that that particular route will provide very little relief to the M4, resulting in continued problems on the motorway, whilst also worsening problems on local roads. Three variants of the blue route were previously considered, estimated to cost between £600 million and £800 million, dependent on the scope—far higher than the proposer’s estimate and offering extremely low value for money, given the limited benefits. However, I am mindful of the continued interest in this alternative, and so, to address this, a fresh analysis of the blue route is being carried out and will be published prior to the inquiry. This will look again at scope, cost and traffic modelling and allow people to present their views to the inquiry inspector.