Commuters to Cardiff from Cowbridge and Vale villages are concerned that if the Vale of Glamorgan Council's plans for a new road from Junction 34 of M4 to A48 goes ahead, their daily journeys could take much longer.

The traffic lights at Sycamore Cross on A48 are already a cause of daily traffic tail backs and if 1000's more cars, vans and lorries as estimated, pour onto the A48 from the planned new road from the M4 then congestion and delays, it is feared, will get worse.

For environmentalists, the road is equally worrying. Ancient woodlands and habitats for endangered species will be sacrificed if Councillors give approval to the road plan.

Air pollution is an issue too, not just in the Ely valley where heavy vehicle fumes will be introduced but also on the A48 where longer lines of idling cars will create even more exhaust fumes than at present.

Vale Communities For Future Generations have been campaigning for this road proposal to be abandoned as it was first announced in 2017 to improve airport access. It was argued then the road was unnecessary and much of the case for the road was flawed.

Then in 2019 The Council declared a Climate Emergency and the current pandemic has created even more doubt as to whether the road is required given much changed travel patterns and the need to spend public money more wisely.

Currently, the Council refuses to abandon or review the 3 year old road proposal which VCFFG claim is totally out of step with current thinking on Climate Change.

Public consultation continues until 23rd December despite pleas for it to be extended due to four weeks lockdown in the Vale hampering community discussion.

Anyone wishing to object to the road proposal can do so via VCFFG's link here .

Alternatively they can email the council direct with their views.