NDM8538 Welsh Conservatives Debate - Transport

NDM8538 Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Believes the Welsh Government’s transport policies for Wales are not fit for purpose.

2. Regrets the north and south transport divide in Wales, with £50 million allocated to the North Wales Metro, and over £1 billion to the South Wales Metro.

3. Calls on the Welsh Government to urgently:

a) undertake a review of the current road-building tests with a view to implementing all previously scrapped schemes that will boost economic growth or enhance road safety;

b) reverse the Restricted Roads (20mph Speed Limit) (Wales) Order 2022 and adopt a targeted approach to 20mph speed limits in Wales; and

c) invest in public transport to make buses and trains more competitive with travelling by car.

The following amendments were tabled:

Amendment 1 Heledd Fychan (South Wales Central)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Believes:

a) the Welsh Government’s transport policies for Wales are not fit for purpose;

b) the lack of connectivity between north and south Wales is a regrettable consequence of the fact that decisions about transport are made and controlled by people outside Wales;

c) the lack of connectivity between north and south Wales stems from historical and current failures to invest in intra-Wales journeys; and

d) resolving issues within the Welsh transport network will only be possible by devolving all powers over transport to Wales.

2. Calls on Welsh Government to:

a) reconsider its decision not to launch a legal challenge against the UK Government’s decision to designate HS2 an England and Wales project;

b) act with haste to implement the continuous review of the impact of the new speed limits, as previously agreed by the Senedd’s vote in favour of NDM8347 as amended, on 13 September 2023;

c) prioritise fair funding for buses that places bus funding on an equitable basis to rail funding; and

d) work with the UK Government to devolve all powers over transport to Wales.

If amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected.

Amendment 2 Jane Hutt (Vale of Glamorgan)

Delete all and replace with:

To propose that the Senedd:

1. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s commitment to listening on a wide range of issues, including transport and connectivity.

2. Supports the Welsh Government’s approach which recognises:

a) the value Wales’s transport infrastructure, including roads, brings to our economy and society; and

b) that the Welsh Government can improve both the way it designs and builds new road infrastructure, and better maintain Wales’s existing road network.

3. Welcomes the Welsh Government’s recognition of the need to refine the implementation of 20mph speed limits in Wales; including reflecting on the classification guidance, changing speed limits on some roads, and continued engagement with communities.