Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 1:51 pm on 24 October 2018.
Again, I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his answer, and I do acknowledge that there is a problem, which you mentioned, with switching lanes, particularly the late lane changes, that is from the Malpas turnoff lane back onto the main carriageway. They pose a very serious problem. But having experienced the approaches under almost all traffic conditions, from light to excessively heavy, I am of the firm belief that two gantries, one before the High Cross turnoff, and another 500 yd further on, giving very clear instructions to move into the appropriate lane for the use of the tunnels, would obviate the need for speed restrictions and thus allow traffic to flow freely. This observation comes from having seen heavy traffic conditions but still free movement of traffic when there is an absence of speed limits. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that much longer tunnels on the continent, often incorporating curves, have a speed limit of 80 to 100 km per hour. Why do we need a 40 miles per hour speed limit on such a short tunnel as Brynglas? Can I urge the Cabinet Secretary to have a proper evaluation of my proposal, which I believe would greatly alleviate the congestion problems at Newport?