PLANS to build a M4 relief road around Newport “fails to take into account emerging future trends in transport”, it has been claimed.

As part of her evidence to the public inquiry into the plans Wales’ future generations commissioner Sophie Howe has said building a new stretch of motorway is not the way forward.

Ms Howe is responsible for overseeing the Welsh Government’s Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, which works to ensure the implications of any decisions made are properly considered.

“Building roads is an old fashioned solution to addressing congestion and we should instead be seeking to invest in better public transport which would be a more useful solution for the 25 per cent of Welsh families who have no access to a car whilst also supporting the obligations we have to reduce our carbon footprint,” she said.

“Taking this approach could ultimately prove to be a much better way of spending the £1.1bn to better support the wellbeing of those who will be paying for it.”

Ms Howe referred to figures showing the number of men in their 20s with driving licences had fallen dramatically, while average mileage had also dropped.

She said an increase in rail passengers, a rise in home working and the emergence of driverless cars also made a new motorway less viable.

Future generations champion for Young Wales Joshua Chohan backed her words, saying: “Whatever the decision, I hope the implications for children and young people and future generations are fully considered.”

The public inquiry will begin on Tuesday, February 28.