As a result of today's tragic accident on the M4 at High Cross which led to one fatality and major disruption for thousands of motorists, Newport West AM Rosemary Butler will be asking for any public enquiry into the new motorway relief road to be held as soon as possible.

"Today's tragic incident shows how quickly Newport becomes gridlocked," she said.

"We can't have the area clogged up everytime there's an accident.It affects business and holds up the emergency services when they are trying to deal with other incidents.It also affects the economy of South and West Wales as a whole.

"I know there are environmental considerations, but I think we really do need to tackle this transport problem as quickly as possible.We have a very good Southern Distributor Road, but that clearly isn't enough.

"This is the most congested area in Wales as far as traffic is concerned, and I will be pressing the Deputy First Minister and Transport Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones when I meet him later this month to bring the whole motorway relief scheme forward by at least a year."

Friday, August 3