Just a problem for commuters

THE article from Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns (June 28) was a peculiar mixture of spin and leaving the door open to a compromise.
He says M4 congestion is “among the worst on UK roads”. Very doubtful, no increase in M4 traffic in the Newport area between 2003 and 2013, although I have been unable to get congestion statistics out of the Welsh Government. 
He goes on to say that “...it is not just a question of commuters... facing tailbacks”. It is just that, Mr Cairns. 
Congestion problems are rare on the eastern M4 out of peak periods, that is for approaching 90 per cent of the week. Is £2 billion on this 10 per cent problem good economics, let alone trashing the unique Gwent Levels? Thousands of conservation group members say no. 
And for many commuters, it will merely push the problem along the M4, and into Cardiff. He strangely does not mention the South Wales Metro. An old-fashioned motorway “solution” (English policy is no new motorways) without any area public transport improvements will gridlock Cardiff. 
But then again, he does mention Professor Cole’s Blue Route as an alternative to the Black Route! Is this a hint that it is being seriously considered? Of course, the Blue Route is not a new motorway, it is an alternative diversion route when there are serious problems on the M4. 
A proper integrated state-of-the-art Metro is also needed, offering fast and convenient public transport, reducing traffic on the M4, in addition to the Blue Route. In fact the combination is the only real way of creating a South Wales transportation system fit for the 21st century.  If you are keen on spending £2 billion on infrastructure, Mr Cairns, back a proper modernisation of our South Wales transport infrastructure, not an out-of date waste of money.