THE operator of Magor service station has submitted an official objection to part of the proposed M4 Relief Road.

Roadchef, the owner and operator of Magor service station at Junction 23A on the current M4, has submitted its objection to part of the proposed M4 Relief Road Black Route.

The company, which has 190 employees at Magor, has objected to the scheme on a number of counts, but primarily regarding the exclusion of proper access to Magor service station from the Black Route and the safety implications this creates. The route, as proposed, requires drivers to take a five mile diversion off the new M4 meaning the service area will no longer be on the motorway.

Roadchef suggest that up to 80 per cent of long haul traffic will therefore by-pass the service area, leaving a 49 mile gap between the nearest services Leigh Delamere and Cardiff Gate. Current highways guidance recommends a 28 mile gap between services in order to ensure adequate rest facilities to prevent driver fatigue, which is known to be a significant cause of road accidents.

Simon Turl, Chief Executive of Roadchef, commented: “Like many local businesses, we want to see a new M4 delivered to the benefit of South Wales and the people living here. But we have been left with no choice but to object to the Welsh Government’s proposal to bypass the busiest motorway service area in Wales.

“Our submission assesses that the planned route has serious implications on safety grounds, is inadequate for road users, will threaten the future viability of our site and our 190 employees and will increase carbon emissions.

“We’ve attempted to engage with the Welsh Government over the past year, but they have neglected to take these factors into consideration in their consultation. We are hopeful this will go to a full Public Inquiry to ensure adequate public scrutiny. In addition, we’ve proposed four alternative junction arrangements, which through this process will be given due consideration.”

Roadchef’s submission has also had the support of two major trade associations for the road haulage industry – the Road Haulage Association and the Freight Transport Association. Ian Gallagher from the Freight Transport Association said: “Whilst the FTA supports the M4 Black Route, we echo the message by Roadchef that ideally direct access to services should be incorporated into the plans. Rest provision for commercial vehicles isn’t just nice to have, it’s a requirement in law. More difficult access to the services would mean an unnecessary increase in HGV miles for the operators that need to use this facility.”

Roadchef is hopeful to have a more successful dialogue with the newly formed Welsh Government, and the new Economy, Science and Transport Minister, when in place. Simon Turl commented: “We look forward to working constructively with the new Transport Minister and the new Welsh Labour Government to help ensure the new M4 Relief Road genuinely delivers for motorists, the local economy and wider South Wales.”