Reacting to the CBI’s call for assurances on the M4 relief road, Matthew Kennerley, director of Associated British Ports south Wales, said:
“As owner and operator of ports across the whole of south Wales, we recognise the need for action to tackle the current congestion problems that surround the M4 at Newport, but remain very concerned about the impact that the favoured ‘black route’ could have on the Port of Newport, in terms of existing capacity and future development opportunities.
“To date, we have been engaging in constructive dialogue with Welsh Government officials to try and reach a solution that will minimise the impact on the port and its operations. We would like this to continue when a new Minister takes over and for that Minister to revisit proposals and give due consideration to alternative routes, which would have a less severe impact on port operations.
“We hope to find a solution that has the least possible impact on Wales’ leading general cargo port.”