MADAM,

The public inquiry on the M4 Black Route is due to begin this autumn. The Inspector has requested that all documentation be with him by 11th October.

The Wales Green Party has made five Freedom of Information Requests challenging misleading figures used in pamphlets issued to the public.

I have challenged figures relating to air quality, job creation, the environmental impact, traffic volumes and accident rates. I believe the figures and statistics the Welsh Government have promoted are fundamentally flawed.

For example the Statement of Case states that: “The current accident rates on the M4 between Magor and Castleton are higher than average for UK motorways.” In fact, recent figures reveal accident rates for this stretch of road suggest that accident figures are below the UK average.

The Freedom of Information responses were due to be delivered, by law, on or before the 16th September.

We know the Welsh Government is heavily backing the Black Route, but Greens are pressing to ensure they are not spreading disinformation in order to get their way. We’ve had enough of that with Brexit.

The £1.2 billion in today’s money would be better spent on an honest light rail system to get people across Newport and the surroundings cleanly, affordably and frequently. More cars on the road is the answer to nothing except more pollution, poorer health, noise and the irreversible destruction of wildlife habitats.”

Pippa Bartolotti

Gwent Green Party