I CONCUR with Nigel Corten, Argus, October 8, regarding the traffic congestion outside the Royal Gwent Hospital, and its knock-on effect, deterring visitors thinking of coming into Newport when the new shopping precinct is opened. 
I contacted Newport council on this issue back in July pointing out this problem., Their reply, verbatim, read: “ meeting took place between representatives of Newport City Council, Aneurin Bevan Health Board and bus operators during 2010. 
“The meetings were held to examine the nature of the congestion that occurred at the entrance to the Royal Gwent Hospital, and to identify measures with the potential to alleviate it. 
“Congestion was attributed to a combination of factors. It was established that the level of demand for parking within the hospital site far outstrips its availability, with the problem being particularly acute during hospital visiting times.
“There is a reduction in the carriageway width of Cardiff Road at the entrance to the Royal Gwent Hospital, therefore when traffic levels within the grounds of the hospital reach saturation point, the resulting queuing to enter the site obstructs traffic wishing to continue along the eastbound carriageway of Cardiff Road.
“A scheme was subsequently designed to realign the carriageway and increase highway capacity at the entrance to the hospital. However, this coincided with significant funding cuts and, as a consequence, finance never became available to fulfil this scheme. 
“This will remain the case for the foreseeable future, and most probably beyond”. 
P.S. I did suggest to the council some areas where they could find funds if they cut out some of their politically correct schemes, and spent money on real issues which effect us all.
 
Norman Plaisted
Vivian Road
Newport