The Welsh Government’s decision to abandon plans for an M4 relief road near Newport could lead to more funding for public transport in Ceredigion and mid Wales, a Ceredigion County Council Cabinet member has suggested.

Cllr Alun Williams said he hoped the decision by First Minister Mark Drakeford to reject plans for the M4 relief road ‘black route’ would provide a funding boost for public transport across Wales.

Mr Drakeford made the announcement on Tuesday, 4 June, that the controversial relief road would not be progressed, claiming the cost and environmental issues meant the project should not proceed.

Cllr Williams said he hoped that would mean funding would now be concentrated on public transport schemes across Wales.

Welcoming the decision, Elin Jones AM said: “I want to see the funding saved by this decision applied to more sustainable forms of transport, and in every area of Wales.

“In Ceredigion extra funding could be spent on enhancing bus services in rural areas, sustainable transport and reopening the Aberystwyth to Carmarthen railway line.

“There is so much that can be done with this money, and Ceredigion must get its fair share.”

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