6. Statement by the Deputy Minister for Climate Change: Roads review

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:02 pm on 22 June 2021.

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Photo of Delyth Jewell Delyth Jewell Plaid Cymru 5:02, 22 June 2021

Minister, modal shift is going to be so significantly important in all of this, so what role will areas like fast lanes for public transport and electric vehicles on future roads—how important a role will that play?

And, with reference to your point on maintaining existing roads, I'd like to draw your attention to the most recent UK climate change risk assessment. It points to a number of challenges facing Wales's transport infrastructure, including a greater risk of slope failure due to increased rainfall, and the associated risks with ground subsidence and collapse of pre-existing cavities in the ground from changes in the soil's water content because of climate change. So, could I ask you what your Government will do to ensure that road infrastructure in Wales is part of this, and is going to be resilient to the effects of climate change?

And the final thing I'd ask you, Minister, is about how you'll get buy-in and support from communities who are going to be particularly affected by this. Again, think again of communities who've been waiting a long time for investment in infrastructure. What engagement will you be having with those communities who are most likely to be affected by these decisions, please?