6. What steps is the Welsh Government taking to alleviate the increasing congestion on motorways and trunk roads in South Wales Central? OAQ51297

Well, if we follow the advice of his former party leader, it's reducing immigration that's the key to doing this. But tackling congestion is a priority focus of the Wales transport strategy and the national transport finance plan. We'll continue to work with Transport for Wales to advance our vision for delivering a transformational integrated transport system in Wales, providing high-quality, safe, affordable and sustainable transport for all. 

Thanks for the latter part of the answer. I agree that integrated transport is crucial.

One aspect I wanted to touch on was lack of roadside information. Many motorists have observed that on major roads in England there is often better information available on digital road signs than here in Wales, for instance estimated travel times to particular junctions, which can warn motorists of imminent congestion. Would you agree that more digital information could be made available and can the Welsh Government help to provide this?

I'm aware of the signs that are seen in England, but I have to say they're not accurate, often. I've timed myself when I've seen those signs and they're—well, how can they be? Because they can't provide for what's ahead in the traffic, what might happen. Any number of things can interfere with the flow of traffic. That said, of course, we'll continue to keep under review what further information might be made available for drivers in order for their journeys to be made easier.

First Minister, flexible working patterns could provide one key to alleviating pressure on our motorways and trunk roads at key times. What work has the Welsh Government done to speak to big employers about the benefits of flexible working?

This is something, of course, we want to ensure is very much part of working in the future. In terms of flexible working, I can say that we have funded travel plan co-ordinators who have worked with employers across Wales to encourage sustainable travel. The travel plan co-ordinators worked with organisations from a range of sectors, including local government, health, education, anchor companies and regionally important companies across Wales. They provided advice and support on the measures that could be adopted by business to reduce car journeys and promote sustainable travel through the implementation of travel plans. As part of those measures, advice was given as to how to promote active travel, car sharing, video-conferencing, homeworking and, of course, flexible working.

First Minister, I very much welcome the Welsh Government and Rhondda Cynon Taf council investment along areas such as the A4119. But no matter how much we invest in the roads there, they are becoming a congested noose around the Taff-Ely and the Rhondda area in terms of traffic. The only real solution has got to be the extension of the metro, as has been outlined, in respect of Beddau through to Llantrisant. I wonder, First Minister, if you can confirm that those plans still feature as part of the Government's metro plans in order to resolve that, particularly bearing in mind the extent of housing development in those areas.

Yes, because the metro is designed to be expandable. Of course, the initial phase of the metro will look at what is already in place and the infrastructure that's already in place. I know there's a railway line. I don't know if it's entirely intact, actually, between the main line and with Beddau—I know the level crossing is still there. Indeed, yes, it's one of the issues that we will look at as the metro expands: how can we look at bringing services to areas where, previously, there was no equivalent service? What kind of service is appropriate for communities as they grow? How can we create the sort of sustainable travel we want to see through putting in place good-value and frequent alternatives? And of course, as far as his constituents are concerned in Beddau, looking at that in the longer term will be an important part of those plans.

Question 7 [OAQ51296] is withdrawn. Question 8, Llyr Gruffydd.