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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 later by the Welsh Assembly Government. 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 AMs, 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. 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 travelEXPECTED 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.