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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| New transport plan to be unveiled | New transport plan to be unveiled |
| (about 5 hours later) | |
| A four-year plan to improve Wales' transport system is expected to be revealed by the Welsh Assembly Government. | |
| It will include proposals for a faster north-south rail link, coach services and "substantial" A470 improvements. | It will include proposals for a faster north-south rail link, coach services and "substantial" A470 improvements. |
| Transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones is also expected to announce a number of "model" towns to bring together public transport, cycling and walking. | Transport minister Ieuan Wyn Jones is also expected to announce a number of "model" towns to bring together public transport, cycling and walking. |
| These towns across Wales will benefit from improved integrated facilities. | These towns across Wales will benefit from improved integrated facilities. |
| Developing integrated local transport is a crucial part of the strategy, BBC Wales understands. | Developing integrated local transport is a crucial part of the strategy, BBC Wales understands. |
| Bus and train stations in the model towns could be brought closer together if necessary. | |
| In a statement to Assembly Members, Mr Jones will also outline a need to "strategically enhance" the capacity of east-west roads and "exploit the full potential" of the rail network. | |
| EXPECTED TRANSPORT PLANS Improved walking, cycling and public transport in 'model towns'Faster rail link between north and south WalesSubstantial improvements on the A470Improve the capacity of east-west corridorsTackling traffic congestion and reducing the environmental impact of personal travel | EXPECTED TRANSPORT PLANS Improved walking, cycling and public transport in 'model towns'Faster rail link between north and south WalesSubstantial improvements on the A470Improve the capacity of east-west corridorsTackling traffic congestion and reducing the environmental impact of personal travel |
| He will suggest that the transport network must strike a balance between Wales' economic, social and environmental aims. | He will suggest that the transport network must strike a balance between Wales' economic, social and environmental aims. |
| Road expenditure is thought likely to reach £350m over the next four years. | Road expenditure is thought likely to reach £350m over the next four years. |
| Stuart Cole, professor of transport at the Wales Transport Research Centre, described the current driving times between north and south Wales as "unacceptable". | |
| "Other European economies are moving people far faster," he said. | |
| "Between north and south Wales, an average over 130 miles of five hours driving time is around 25mph. But people in France are being moved at 200mph by train. | |
| "Clearly we have to do something quite radical about the north-south link." | |
| But he said that making the A470 - a dual carriageway from north to south - would not only be expensive but it could also damage some of Wales' most beautiful regions. | |
| "People are not looking for a dual carriageway trunk road through the middle of Snowdonia," he said. | |
| "So we have really got to think very carefully about what our options are." | |
| Chris Mason, a director of Newport-based hauliers RJ Mason said it avoided routes to mid and north Wales because of the connections. | |
| But he said, better transport links would kick start local economies. | |
| "When they opened the Heads of the Valleys road you found more and more businesses were prepared to move into the area and expand," he said. | |
| 'Stranglehold' | 'Stranglehold' |
| Improving road and rail links between north and south Wales is part of the One Wales document agreed between Labour and Plaid Cymru when they formed a coalition Welsh Assembly Government in July. | Improving road and rail links between north and south Wales is part of the One Wales document agreed between Labour and Plaid Cymru when they formed a coalition Welsh Assembly Government in July. |
| Last month Mr Jones announced a proposed M4 relief road from Magor to Castleton could open in 2013. | Last month Mr Jones announced a proposed M4 relief road from Magor to Castleton could open in 2013. |
| That statement was prompted by heavy congestion in the Newport area when the motorway was closed for eight hours after a collision in which five people died. | That statement was prompted by heavy congestion in the Newport area when the motorway was closed for eight hours after a collision in which five people died. |
| Last week business leaders in Cardiff called for drivers to be charged for using roads to pay for an overhaul of transport to stop a "stranglehold" on the south east Wales economy. | Last week business leaders in Cardiff called for drivers to be charged for using roads to pay for an overhaul of transport to stop a "stranglehold" on the south east Wales economy. |
| The city's chamber of commerce warned the Welsh economy would fall behind other parts of the UK unless roads were improved. | The city's chamber of commerce warned the Welsh economy would fall behind other parts of the UK unless roads were improved. |