THE MPs for Aberconwy and Clwyd West have both welcomed the recommendations for improving transport connectivity throughout North Wales in the Union Connectivity Review published today (November 26).

Robin Millar (Aberconwy) and David Jones (Clwyd West) both hailed the recommendations, including the need to improve connectivity between North Wales and North-west England on the A55, M53 and M56 roads.

The Union Connectivity Review, led by Sir Peter Hendy, the current chairman of Network Rail and formerly the Commissioner of Transport for London, has looked at transport infrastructure across the United Kingdom.

Working closely with the devolved administrations, Sir Peter has looked at road, rail, air and sea links and has considered where future investment can be targeted to enhance transport infrastructures and networks, further supporting the UK’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The review highlights opportunities for investment in North Wales’ transport connections, proposing that the UK Government, working with the Welsh Government, reviews the route connecting North Wales to the North-west of England, which is a key link for both communities and for businesses.

It is suggested that a package of improvements focused on this route should target better connectivity with HS2 and major railway electrification schemes, upgrades to the A55, the M53, M56, and improving onward travel to and from the island of Ireland.

Welcoming the review, Robin Millar, MP for Aberconwy, said: “For too long, people here in Aberconwy, and throughout North Wales, have had to rely on aging and over-crowded carriages and infrequent rail services.

“The A55 is not able to cope with the volume of traffic it carries and grinds to a standstill when there's an accident or necessary maintenance takes place.

“I welcome and support the recommendations in this review for improving connectivity between North Wales and North-West England on the A55, M53 and M56 roads and on the North Wales Coast Main Line for faster journey times, more resilience and capacity, utilising HS2 and electrification to better serve North Wales, and for connectivity with Northern Ireland and the Republic.

“Tens of thousands of people travel between North Wales and England every day for work and for business.

“Countless journeys are made in both directions by people visiting their friends and loved ones and, of course, enhanced transport links are a vital service for tourists and increasing railway capacity is key to us meeting our decarbonisation commitments.

“I thank Sir Peter for all the work that has gone into this review, and I look forward to working with Government at all levels to deliver the transport infrastructure that North Wales needs and deserves.”

It is estimated that 25 per cent of workers in North Wales regularly cross the border between England and Wales for work, while approximately 1.9 million people and 5.3 million tonnes of goods transit through the port of Holyhead each year.

Indeed, the review notes that travel between North Wales and England accounts for the greatest number of inter-regional journeys in Wales, with 204,000 journeys undertaken each weekday.

Clwyd West MP, David Jones, added: “I am delighted with the recommendations outlined in the Union Connectivity Review, which will significantly improve transport connectivity throughout North Wales.

“It is clear the review’s proposals would be enormously beneficial for the residents and economy of North Wales.

“Among the most important recommendations put forward by Sir Peter are major upgrades to the A55, M53 and M56, as well as utilising HS2 and the electrification of the North Wales Coast Main Line to considerably reduce journey times from North Wales to the rest of the country.

“I look forward to the Welsh Government working closely with HM Government to help deliver upon all of these recommendations.

“This is a tremendous initiative by HM Government which should be fully and enthusiastically supported by all four nations of the United Kingdom.”

Also welcoming the review, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, said: “If we want to truly level up the country then it’s vital that we improve connectivity between all corners of the UK, making it easier for more people to get to more places, more quickly.

“Sir Peter Hendy’s review is an inspiring vision for the future of transport which we will now consider carefully.

“Determined to get to work right away, we will set up a strategic UK-wide transport network that can better serve the whole country with stronger sea, rail and road links - not only bringing us closer together, but boosting jobs, prosperity and opportunity.”