5. Will the Minister make a statement regarding Welsh Government efforts to reduce traffic congestion between junctions 44 and 46 of the M4? OAQ54936

Yes. Alongside considering improving connectivity across the region, a Welsh Government transport appraisal guidance stage 1 study has identified improvement options between junctions 43 and 47 of the M4. Solutions will be progressed through a stage 2 study, aiming to tackle congestion, safety, poor journey times and also poor air quality.

When traffic problems on the M4 are discussed, the problems of traffic jams during peak periods between junctions 44 and 46 tend to be overlooked, though not by those of us travelling along those roads. The reasons for traffic hold-ups include vehicles changing lanes and vehicles entering and leaving the motorway—the same reasons that we have hold-ups everywhere else on the M4. I'm requesting signage on the M4 to direct traffic accessing the enterprise zone to use junction 45 rather than junction 46, because junction 45 is a superior junction and it does have the advantage that traffic, on doing that, does not have to slow down on the motorway in order to join the roundabout. 

Can I thank Mike Hedges for his suggestion? I will certainly relay the suggestion of better signage at junction 45 to officials. As I've already said, the WelTAG stage 2 study between junctions 43 and 47 will determine the best solutions to tackle congestion, to tackle safety and poor journey times. Clearly, if for safety reasons or improved journey times it's deemed that better signage should be installed where the Member has suggested, then we will respond positively.