HC Deb 27 November 1972 vol 847 c25
25. Mr. Gower

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will expedite his plans for the provision of a bypass near St. Nicholas on the main Cardiff to Swansea Road, A48.

Mr. Peter Thomas

The extension of the M4 motorway across South Wales, to which I am giving priority, will have the effect of removing much of the traffic from the A48 road which now passes through St. Nicholas.

Mr. Gower

I thank my right hon. and learned Friend for that reply and for the improvements which have been introduced in traffic arrangements at St. Nicholas, but I wonder whether he is aware that some of the growth of traffic is due to the huge volume of commuters who now go from the Cowbridge and Bridgend areas regularly into Cardiff. Will he take that factor into account too?

Mr. Thomas

Yes, Sir, I shall take that into account, and I have every sympathy with the people who live in St. Nicholas because the volume of traffic can be extremely irritating. I am well aware of that, but I am satisfied that my proposals for extending the M4 offer the quickest and best solution to the present traffic problems of the village.