Assembly Debates New Gwent Parkway Station and M48 Link

12.00.00am GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

The case for a new road link between the M48 and a Gwent 'Parkway' station at Severn Tunnel Junction near Caldicot will be put to Assembly Members in the Siambr today.

In a debate led by Michael German, the Welsh Liberal Democrat AM will say that with the cancellation of the M4 relief road there is an urgent need to come up with alternative methods of relieving congestion with new funds are available from the aborted M4 relief road scheme.

"This plan would revitalise the economy of south east Wales by providing high speed rail and motorway access to existing industrial development land, and open up the potential for extended leisure use," said Mr German.

"The M48 is located less than a kilometre away from the station and the Welsh Assembly Government owns much of the surrounding land which could be developed into car parking at the side of the station."

Mr German will urge the Welsh government to negotiate with First Great Western for some of the high speed Swansea to Paddington trains to call at the parkway station. A substantial portion of south east Wales would have access to the commuting route offered by the south Wales mainline rail network.

A further bonus to local residents would be the reduction of traffic along the B4245 between Caldicot and Magor providing an easier access to the motorway from Caldicot to Undy.

"This is a win-win project for businesses and commuters alike. I urge the Welsh government to grasp the nettle and make this vision a reality," said Mr German.