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There is no summary of this meeting yet. One is written once the council publishes the minutes. The agenda and papers are below.
Councillor Routley asked: Good afternoon leader Councillor Dimitri, You consistently speak about your support for the heavily Welsh Government financed and cancelled M4 relief road It is of great concern to residents of Newport to read the recent directions suggested by a senior Labour party member and Councillor within your own administration, Cllr Matthew Pimm. Has he inadvertently let the cat out of the bag with regards to future Labour Council policy and Welsh government direction? This "two-tier" M4 toll road would not only cause further traffic chaos within Newport, but it also represents blatant economic discrimination against owners of older and cheaper vehicles who cannot afford to upgrade to cleaner models. Furthermore, the expansion of the Brynglas Tunnels would lead to the potential for massive local property damage and total traffic gridlock, especially during construction. As for a Swansea-to-Cornwall barrage, one can only suggest this would involve astronomical costs and catastrophic changes to the marine ecosystem. I must ask: do you agree with your colleague Councillor, Matthew Pimm, on any or all of his statements ? I am also aware that you are fond of big social media announcements—is this one of them? I look forward to your clarification on whether these proposals represent the official stance of the Labour group now or in the future kind Regards Cllr William J. Routley Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group The below statement was taken from Facebook . I am also supportive of a relief road and improvements to the M4 to improve and alleviate the congestion throughout the stretch of motorway that runs through Newport and I’m not alone in the party. My personal preference would be improvements along the current stretch of M4 and expanding the current tunnels if that is possible and making a section of the M4 a toll road with no junctions from Major to Cardiff on that section of motorway. Only clean/green cars with low emissions would be allowed on the toll road and certain vehicles that have zero emissions (sometime in the future hopefully) could use it for free. I’m not a civil engineer or structural engineer so my ideas are based on what I have seen throughout the rest of UK and Europe main transport routes and tunnels, its works elsewhere with dedicated toll roads so why not the M4. It would be huge infrastructure projects that would cost several billion but it should be back on the table and up for discussion along with the barrage. I would also like to see a tidal barrage from Swansea to Cornwall to connect that part of the country. It would generate green energy and improve transport security for the south west of the UK. Councillor Batrouni responded: I have clearly stated, several times, my opposition to any tolls in and around Newport, which I repeated at the last council meeting – which you were present at. The minutes released of that meeting also confirm my response. My view has not, and will not, change.
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