Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:27 pm on 25 June 2019.
They could indeed travel at different speeds. The point is we don't yet have that many electric cars on the road, and so, in future, of course, yes, they could travel at higher speeds. The other benefit, though, of introducing 50 mph reduced speed limits is that traffic is proven to travel at a more consistent pace, so you don't have the effect of stop-start traffic, which contributes significantly to emissions.
On the issue of the blue route, I really, really should just address the issue of this particular solution that some Members are still embracing. The blue route was roundly trashed by the inspector, and if Members haven't had the opportunity to read the inspector's report, I really would urge them to do so and, in particular, with regard to the blue route pages 457 to 459. It did find, during the course of the inquiry, that the blue route would be inadequate, it would be unsustainable, it would cost around about £1 billion, compared to the £350 million that supporters were promoting, and it would contribute more in terms of emissions—nitrogen dioxide in particular—to those people who are already badly affected by the existing road network. The blue route is simply not an option.
I think we've been around the manifesto question a number of times, not just today, but previous to today. The manifesto that we drew up was, of course, drawn up in the circumstances that were apparent at that moment in time, based on the evidence that was available to us. There are many Members in this Chamber who have changed their position on the black route and the blue route based on the evidence that has been presented by the inspector.
Of course, since 2016, times have changed quite rapidly. We have now, I think, a better grasp and understanding of the climate emergency. I think, also, we have set the bar higher in terms of how we respond to it. We are developing a Welsh transport strategy that will seek to embrace new and emerging technology and respond to the greatest challenge of our time, which is to reduce emissions and to reverse climate change. I think Huw Irranca-Davies summed up brilliantly what the strategy should seek to deliver. It should ensure that people can be more mobile as they wish to be, but not at the expense of our environment and the interests of future generations. I think a number of Members have rightly raised the role that rail has in reducing the reliance on vehicles, and with regard to questions raised by Jenny Rathbone and Alun Davies, I think it's absolutely right that the commission is able to make calls on the UK Government, not just in terms of improvements to our rail infrastructure, but also in terms of service improvements that could reduce the reliance that people have on the motor car and the M4 in particular. For example, the Department for Transport could remove the objection to Grand Union Trains operating express services between Swansea, Cardiff, Bristol and London, again assisting and reducing congestion on the M4. I've been very clear to the commission that it should not fear making those calls of UK Government as well as of Welsh Government.
I can tell Members today that with regard to the—