The closure of junction 41 of the Port Talbot in the M4 seems more unlikely to happen after a report published this week by the Welsh Government. In September, it was announced that the closure of the M4 junction at Port Talbot couldn't be ruled out, as the Welsh Government seeks to improve air quality. However, the idea of a closure has been heavily criticised by politicians from the Port Talbot area, who fear a repeat of the “chaos” of four years ago when the junction was closed as part of a trial. A report published this week by the Welsh Government explores the different options to reduce pollution in the area and proposes to make the temporary 50mph speed limits introduced in June permanent to achieve legal limits for NO2 within the shortest possible time. In the report, it says: "The Welsh Ministers have taken the considered decision that the speed restrictions are the only measure that will achieve compliance with the NO2 limit values in this air quality zone as soon … [Read more...] about The closure of junction 41 of the M4 in Port Talbot looks to be off
M4 junctions map
Live updates as crash causes queueing traffic on M4 near Swansea
A crash is causing delays on the M4 near Neath Port Talbot. One lane is closed westbound between J43 (Llandarcy) and J44 (Llansamlet) and there is congestion to Junction 42 (Fabian Way). Travel time is around 15 minutes. 14:25 All lanes have now reopened, but there is still queuing traffic. 14:16 This is what Google Maps is showing: 14:08 There is now congestion to J41 (Baglan). Travel time is 40 minutes. 14:03 A Welsh Ambulance Service spokeswoman confirmed they are at the scene of the crash. 13:59 A spokeswoman for Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to the two-vehicle crash at 12.51pm. She said two fire engines attended to the crash, but that no one was trapped in a vehicle. She added: “An ambulance was required. “We helped clear the roadway.” The spokeswoman said they received the stop message at 1.48pm. 13:47 A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said: “We received reports of a road … [Read more...] about Live updates as crash causes queueing traffic on M4 near Swansea
Mutli-vehicle crash closes M4 lane in Bristol
One lane on the M4 have been closed after a multi-vehicle crash in Bristol during rush hour. The crash was first reported by traffic site Inrix at 8.40am between Junction 19 for the M32 and Junction 20 for the Almondsbury interchange. Initially two lanes of the westbound carriageway were closed, and the speeds have been lowered to 50mph in the area. Traffic is queuing on the M4 according to Inrix. A statement from Highways England said one lane is closed on the M4 westbound due to a collision. In full: Fire service statement on fire at BRI Traffic officers are on route. Highways England said: "1 lane of three is closed on the M4 westbound between j19 and j20 near M32 Bristol due to a collision. Our traffic officers are en route. Updates to follow." Inrix said: "Matrix sign set to 50 mph. Lanes one and two (of four) have now been closed to assist. This has been confirmed with CCTV footage." 09:36 Crash closed lane 1 and hard shoulder The Highways England website has an update on … [Read more...] about Mutli-vehicle crash closes M4 lane in Bristol
The M4’s most dangerous accident blackspots revealed
Car crash statistics dating back to 1999 have been mapped, highlighting the accident blackspots on the Welsh stretch of the M4 motorway. The Welsh section was completed in 1993, connecting south Wales to London and promising to cut journey times between Cardiff and Swansea. Since its construction the highway has, of course, been extremely busy. This has led to certain stretches of the road becoming synonymous with long tailbacks and car accidents. Included in the map below are incidents marked as ‘serious’ and ‘fatal’ on road accident database, CrashMap. CrashMap uses data collected by the police about crashes on British roads where someone is injured. Serious accidents are those that result in the hospitalisation of victims as an ‘in-patient’ or injuries that include fractures, severe cuts, burns and similar injuries. Data from 2017 was released earlier this month but only reaches September. Blackspots As the map above illustrates, there are a … [Read more...] about The M4’s most dangerous accident blackspots revealed
Live: Emergency services called to M4 crash
Emergency services have been called to a two-car crash on the M4 at Bristol that has closed two lanes. Paramedics, police and Highways England have all been alerted to the incident between Junction 19 for the M32 and Junction 20 for Almondsbury. The crash is in the M4 westbound carriageway and two lanes are closed. Highways England reported the crash on Twitter just after 11am. Drivers are being urged to travel with care. A statement from Highways England said: "Lanes one and two closed M4 westbound between J19 Bristol (M32) and J20 Almondsbury (M5) due to a two-car collision. "South Western Ambulance Service are on scene with Tri Force [police] and Highways England travelling to assist. "Please approach with care." Traffic is slow in the westbound carriageway of the motorway near the Bristol junctions, according to Google Maps. Traffic site Inrix says traffic is slow because of the crash. More information on this incident below. Key Events Latest from Highways England 11:30 … [Read more...] about Live: Emergency services called to M4 crash