2. Business Statement and Announcement

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 2:35 pm on 7 December 2021.

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Photo of Natasha Asghar Natasha Asghar Conservative 2:35, 7 December 2021

Minister, may I ask for a statement from the Deputy Minister for Climate Change on the current weight restrictions for vehicles in operation on the M4 between junction 24 and junction 28? I know that's very specific, and the reason why I ask is because a constituent—. I know you don't like to answer on a specific case, but the reason why I'm asking is because it's slightly confusing as to what's arisen in front of me.

So, a constituent has contacted me regarding a freedom of information request he'd sent to the Welsh Government, asking how many heavy goods vehicles have been stopped since the restriction was put in place and how many were found to be over the restricted weight limit. The Welsh Government responded, and when they responded they said that they did not hold any information and that he should contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, as they undertake the activity—which would all seem fine. But then the DVSA said that they did not have the information, as it was outside their remit and that he should contact Highways Wales—again, okay, fine. My constituent then contacted Highways Wales. He said that his inquiry was considered, and I quote, 'policy/programming in nature', and that they had forwarded his request—again, back to the Welsh Government. So, can I please request a statement from the Deputy Minister just to clear up this confusion and provide the information required? Because it does appear to the constituent that the weight restriction is just a smokescreen to cover up the Welsh Government's lack of action to tackle congestion on this stretch of the M4. Thank you, Minister.