REMOVING the Severn Bridge tolls will not result in a “significantly adverse” impact on two conservation sites, a public inquiry has heard.

Ecological consultant Jonathan Davies told the inquiry into the proposed M4 relief road around Newport that scrapping the tolls would not have a significant adverse effect on Langstone-Llanmartin Meadows and Severn Estuary Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) yesterday.

However, Mr Davies said the change in traffic volumes would mean air pollution exceeded the ‘critical level’ at St Brides SSSI.

But he said the effect of this would be mitigated because of the distance of the site from the centre of the motorway.

Mr Davies said this meant only a small proportion of the site would be affected by the increased pollution.

The ecological expert also said the air quality at Langstone-Llanmartin Meadows would be slightly improved, as removing the tolls would help divert traffic away from the site.

Mr Davies explained the sites would not be significantly affected because the habitats at the SSSIs are aquatic.

He said that pollution is filtered through the water, which acts as a buffer from nitrogen.

The public inquiry, now expected to run into early 2018, also heard from objector Ann Picton yesterday, a councillor at Wentlooge Community Council.

Cllr Picton told the inquiry the Welsh Government’s proposed black route would be “disastrous” for the Gwent Levels. The £1.1 billion black route is a 14-mile stretch of motorway between Magor and Castleton, bypassing the Brynglas Tunnels.

She said: “The fact that the Welsh Government is proposing a route that runs through the Gwent Levels beggars belief and in my opinion is shameful.

“The levels, designated as a SSSI, is a beautiful, precious, calming and rare landscape.

“They are a historical and architectural gem and a wildlife habitat that if destroyed will be lost forever, never to be recreated.”

Cllr Picton said the proposed road would not solve traffic problems, but instead increase traffic, congestion and pollution. She said the Welsh Government should instead improve public transport and work towards creating an integrated transport system.

“A six-lane, two hard shoulder, one central reservation monstrous motorway would be a blight on our beautiful levels and our peaceful environment,” she said.

“In my opinion the proposed relief road will be disastrous for the Gwent Levels.”

Cllr Picton said the economic benefits of the scheme would go to Cardiff and Bristol, rather than Newport. She said traffic problems are caused mainly by local traffic, with many motorists from across Gwent using the motorway between junction 23A and 29.

These issues would not be resolved by the relief road, the councillor claimed. Cllr Picton also said efforts should be made to tackle under use of the Southern Distributor Road in Newport.

The Inspector of the inquiry and Welsh Government representatives praised Cllr Picton for her commitment to the long-running inquiry, which has seen her attend the vast majority of sessions.