Wales’ failing transport network has “ground to a halt” under Labour say Welsh Conservatives

A panel discussion on the “failing transport network” in Wales is set to take place at the Welsh Conservatives Party Conference today, Saturday 29th April.

The panel, chaired by Craig Williams MP, will include Helen Swift, the UK Public Affairs Manager for Airbus, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister Natasha Asghar MS, and Richard Holden MP.

They aim to address the transport network issues that have arisen under the Labour Government in Wales.

Recently, the Welsh Government has faced criticism for its decision to follow an independent panel’s advice to cancel major road projects in the country due to climate change concerns.

Alyn and Deeside’s Labour MP Mark Tami has condemned the controversial decision to scrap the £300 million Red Route project in Flintshire.

The planned dual carriageway intended to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution at the notorious Aston Hill pinch-point.

Tami accused the Welsh Government of wasting time and money while only applying a “sticking plaster” to the pollution problems in the area.

The cancellation of the project has raised concerns about air quality, safety, and the economic impact on local industries.

There have also been calls to transfer control of the Wrexham to Bidston rail line to Merseyrail, as worries grow over the poorly managed services on this crucial Flintshire route operated by Transport for Wales, which is backed by the Welsh Government.

Commuters have faced an inconsistent and slow rail replacement bus service due to the frequent removal of trains from the Wrexham-Bidston line to serve other routes as a result of a lack of rolling stock.

Ahead of the panel, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister Natasha Asghar MS commented on the Labour Government’s approach to transport in Wales.

She said, “Labour has ground Wales to a halt with their frankly sphinxlike approach to transport.” Asghar highlighted the cancellation of train services and road building projects while airlines continue to cancel routes from Cardiff airport.

Asghar continued, “Mobility is essential to any economy, yet the Welsh economy will continue to suffer due to Labour’s mismanagement.”

“Labour’s transport priorities are not the people’s priorities.”

She emphasised that the Welsh people want a functional railway service, not £200 million spent on a failing airport.

Asghar concluded, “Labour cannot be trusted with our Welsh transport system… Wales deserves better.”