Reform Wales is demanding answers from the Welsh Government over its decision to rule out the M4 Black Route, with Jason O’Connell MS seeking evidence to justify abandoning the scheme after significant public money had been spent on its development.
Taxpayers funded the acquisition of land and properties for the original scheme before it was abandoned. Jason has now written to Deputy Minister Mark Hooper demanding a clear account of what land remains in Welsh Government ownership, what has been sold or disposed of, how much public money was spent, and the evidence behind the decision to rule out the route.
Jason O’Connell MS said:
“Taxpayers deserve to know what has happened to the land and properties bought with public money.
“Public money was spent acquiring land and developing this scheme, yet the Government is now claiming there is no deliverable opportunity to revive it. Where is the justification? What assets remain, what has been disposed of, and at what cost?
“Taxpayers deserve answers. Newport has endured decades of congestion, and the public should not be left in the dark about what happened to their money while the Government continues to tinker around the edges.”
Mark Hooper MS
Deputy Minister for Transport
(Email Letter)
12 October 2026
Re: M4 around Newport and the Black Route
Dear Deputy Minister,
I am writing following your statement to the Senedd on 6 October regarding the M4 around Newport. I
would welcome clarification of your comments that there was “no deliverable opportunity for the
Black Route” and that reviving it would involve “decades of work”.
The decision not to proceed with the M4 project was taken in 2019, but the route’s TR111 protection
was retained until June 2021. I would therefore be grateful for clarification of how its removal affects
the route’s current deliverability and the evidence underpinning your statements.
This is particularly important given concerns about the alternative measures being considered,
especially junction closures that could push additional traffic onto Newport’s road network. Your
review also acknowledges that closures could increase congestion within Newport and face low local
acceptability.
Members and the public deserve clarity on why the Black Route has been ruled out while further work
continues on alternatives that could shift traffic onto local roads.
I would appreciate a response to the following questions:
- What evidence supports the Government’s claim that the Black Route is no longer deliverable
and would take decades to revive, and will you publish any assessments informing that
conclusion? - How much public money was spent acquiring land and properties for the original scheme, and
what were the total costs of developing it? Please provide an updated breakdown of the
expenditure. - Which properties and parcels of land were acquired for the scheme, when were they acquired,
and which have since been sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of? For any disposals,
please provide the dates and values. - Please provide an updated map identifying land associated with the former route that remains
in Welsh Government ownership and land that has been disposed of, alongside details of the
current use and, where available, valuation of the land retained.
Given the further 18-month programme to develop long-term solutions for the M4 around Newport, it
is essential that decisions are based on a clear understanding of the options available.
Where substantial public money was spent developing the former scheme and acquiring land,
Members should be able to establish what evidence and assets remain, what has been disposed of,
and why the Black Route is considered undeliverable.
I would be grateful for a full response, including copies of or links to any relevant assessments.
Yours sincerely, - Jason O’Connell MS
Shadow Cabinet Minister for Economy and Transport
Reform UK Wales
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