THE M4 inquiry currently going on in Newport did not sit yesterday.

Had it done so, all those involved would have been able to experience at first hand the problems caused in Newport when an accident takes place on the motorway around the city.

Four cars were involved in the rush hour crash yesterday morning leaving two people were injured, thankfully not seriously.

But the necessary lane closures meant there was major congestion lasting for most of the rest of the morning.

And this is one of the key problems for Newport.

The M4 is so vital to the movement of traffic not just past Newport but in and around it, that an accident there always has the potential to cause gridlock. And it often does. We have seen it so many times before.

The inquiry has of course to take evidence from all sides and we note that there are now no fewer than 22 alternative proposals put forward which will be considered as part of the on-going investigation.

It is only right that all of these options are considered but more importantly what Newport, and the wider south East Wales area needs, is a decision one way or the other but, just as importantly, sooner rather than later.