As a result of the UK Chancellor’s recent autumn statement, the Welsh Government’s capital budgets will be reduced by nearly 10% in the coming years. This will directly impact on the decisions the Welsh Government is able to make, including on transport.
In 2021 Deputy Minister for Climate Change Lee Waters set up an independent review panel [2] to evaluate a number of road projects against climate change objectives. This week he announced [3] that the publication of the review and his Government’s response would be delayed, as a direct consequence of Wales’ reduced capital budget.
Paula Renzel, Welsh roads and climate campaigner for TAN said:
“The recent turmoil at UK Government level is directly impacting how much money the Welsh Government is able to spend over the coming years. In the middle of a cost of living crisis it’s right that the response to the roads review is revisited in the light of shrinking budgets.
“The review is a critical part of the Welsh Government’s approach to tackling climate change. It is welcome to see devolved Governments taking this issue seriously, unlike the Department for Transport in London. Road building is fuelling climate change and we need a new approach if we are to stop making things worse.
“There are far better ways of growing the Welsh economy than building roads. Investing in public transport and active travel will improve productivity, improve public health and improve people’s quality of life far more than new roads ever will.”
“We need cheap and plentiful sustainable transport over ever-growing car dependency.”
Press Release: from Tan Cymru the Welsh branch of Transport Action Network
Help keep news FREE for our readers
Supporting your local community newspaper/online news outlet is crucial now more than ever. If you believe in independent journalism, then consider making a valuable contribution by making a one-time or monthly donation. We operate in rural areas where providing unbiased news can be challenging. Read More About Supporting The West Wales Chronicle
