POLICE are investigating whether a mechanical fault in the lorry caused Tuesday’s fire in one of the tunnels, bringing Newport to a standstill.

Gwent Police will work with Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) to carry out the investigation after the case was handed over to them by South Wales Fire and Rescue Service.

The investigation will examine the lorry and determine whether any mechanical fault or failure in the vehicle contributed to starting the fire in the tunnel.

The Welsh Government is set to foot the bill for the cost of the repairs to Brynglas Tunnels, unless the firm whose lorry caught fire is found to be at fault, the Argus understands.

We previously reported how extensive damage was caused to the asphalt walls, lining and electrics of the westbound tunnel when the lorry carrying steel caught fire while passing through on Tuesday morning.

Meanwhile council leader Matthew Evans called for the Welsh Government to look again at the relief road as a "matter of urgency".

Speaking about the fire, he said: "It has inevitably had an impact not just on Newport businesses but on businesses across Wales and the longer the tunnel is closed the longer businesses will unfortunately suffer."

But Jocelyn Davies, Plaid South East Wales regional AM, said: "It’s impossible to have a contingency for every possible thing that can go wrong."

Gareth Beer, Newport Unlimited chief executive, said the incident highlights the need for Wales to move towards an integrated transport system that does not so heavily rely on the current road transport network.

He added that Newport Unlimited was unaware of any direct impact the fire has had on city firms.