In a move to support it’s goal of reducing transportation based emissions, the Welsh government has decided to cancel all new roads.
An independent panel will review all planned projects, however the goal is to limit the transportation network to only current roads and re-direct all funding to improving existing roads, to make them more cycle and bus friendly. The move is part of government’s goal of being net zero emissions by 2050. A goal which requires a strong rethinking of vehicle usage, not just switching from combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles. The government estimates 17% of all emissions within Wales are generated through transportation.
The government understands that the move will be met with friction by the general public, but as per many European countries, the hope is that people will change their behaviour. The government’s opposition sees that move as anti-driver and anti-business and could harm the economy, at least in the short term.