NEWPORT — Protests are mounting over the Welsh Government’s new M4 congestion strategy following revelations that officials are considering closing major motorway junctions around Newport—a move opposition politicians warn will create complete chaos for local drivers.
The row erupted after Deputy Minister for Transport Mark Hooper outlined a dual-track strategy: launching an 18-month study into long-term road-based solutions, while introducing immediate short-term traffic management measures.
Among those potential short-term measures is the controversial proposal to close key access points on the M4 around Newport, specifically:
- Junction 25 (Caerleon)
- Junction 26 (Malpas)
- Junction 27 (High Cross)
The plan has drawn immediate outrage from local representatives and business groups who argue that closing major access points will not relieve gridlock, but simply displace heavy traffic onto already overburdened local residential roads.
Labour Cancels Relief Road
2019
The Welsh Government abandons the £1.6 billion M4 relief road (“Black Route”) after spending more than £130 million on planning and public inquiries.
50 MPH Limit Imposed
2020
A permanent 50 mph speed limit is introduced around the Brynglas Tunnels based on advisory commission recommendations, doing little to ease peak-hour queues.
New 18-Month Study Announced
2026
The Plaid Cymru-led administration orders a fresh study into road options while floating short-term junction closures at Junctions 25, 26, and 27.
‘A Pointless Experiment’
Natasha Asghar MS, Senedd Member for Casnewydd Islwyn, called on the Welsh Government to immediately withdraw the junction closure plans, warning ministers against repeating past mistakes.
“No one can deny that current levels of congestion around Newport and specifically at the Brynglas Tunnels are a barrier to economic growth, investment and the daily lives of thousands of people,” Asghar said.
“Closing important and well-used motorway junctions will simply move congestion around and clog up A roads and other city streets rather than creating additional road capacity. The Welsh Government needs to explain what modelling has been done… before burdening commuters, businesses and visitors with this potentially pointless experiment which will wage war against motorists.”
Asghar pointed to the historical precedent at Junction 41 in Port Talbot, where trial rush-hour closures sparked widespread public outrage, severe local traffic jams, and ultimate defeat when the government was forced to reverse the decision.
Rail Upgrades Welcomed, But Relief Road Demanded
While opposition members welcomed the government’s commitment to fast-track new rail stations at Cardiff Parkway and Magor & Undy alongside freight management improvements, they emphasized that public transport cannot replace core highway capacity.
Critics argue that after spending years relying on academic commissions and temporary speed restrictions, the current administration is simply repeating Labour’s playbook—wasting another 18 months on studies while forcing local communities to deal with severe junction restrictions.
For commuters in South Wales, the fundamental demand remains unchanged: stop forcing traffic onto city streets, scrap the junction closures, and build a high-capacity M4 relief road.
The Welsh Government must withdraw plans to close motorway junctions on the M4, Welsh Conservatives said today, warning the proposal could worsen congestion and create chaos around Newport.
The call comes as the Welsh Government has said it will spend the next 18 months developing ‘roads-based and engineering solutions around Newport’, before identifying a preferred long-term option to address congestion around the city.
Anger over M4 junction closure plans
The Welsh Government has set out a series of potential short-term measures, which include the potential closure of multiple motorway junctions, namely Junction 27 at High Cross, Junction 26 at Malpas and Junction 25 at Caerleon.
The statement from the Deputy Minister for Transport also confirmed investment in public transport with several new train stations to be fast-tracked.
Natasha Asghar MS, Senedd Member for Casnewydd Islwyn, said:
“No one can deny that current levels of congestion around Newport and specifically at the Brynglas Tunnels are a barrier to economic growth, investment and the daily lives of thousands of people.
“Closing important and well-used motorway junctions will simply move congestion around and clog up A roads and other city streets rather than creating additional road capacity.
“The Welsh Government needs to explain what modelling has been done on the impact of junction closures before burdening commuters, businesses and visitors with this potentially pointless experiment which will wage war against motorists across the city and beyond.
“We also need to know what discussions have taken place with Newport City Council, local businesses and other key stakeholders before these proposals are taken forward.
“The Welsh Government should also learn from previous experience rather than repeat it. When Junction 41 on the M4 at Port Talbot was closed during rush-hour periods, the resulting disruption generated significant concern amongst the public, businesses and in the end had to be reversed.
“The wider package of measures announced by the Welsh Government, including progressing new train stations and better facilities for freight should be welcomed.
“But none of these are a substitute for a long-term solution to the fundamental capacity problems on the M4 around Newport, which can only be addressed by increasing capacity. The best way to do this is to build an M4 relief road.”
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