Poor North Wales transport systems devastating local economy.

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 18th Jun 2008

Speaking ahead of her debate today on transport systems in North Wales, Eleanor Burnham, Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for North Wales, highlighted businesses' calls that the A55 is not fit for purpose, costing thousands in revenue for local industries. Ms Burnham will challenge the Assembly Government on its lack of initiative when tackling the longstanding problems of travelling across North Wales in her short debate this afternoon.

Eleanor Burnham A.M. said:

"The A55 is the main route across North Wales, providing access to the region for incoming tourists. If the road is constantly blocked with traffic, the region suffers a loss of tourist revenue. One tourist business in Conwy, reported that the abysmal transport system was putting tourists off so much that he was losing £15,000 to £20,000 per month as a result. This is unacceptable.

"The A55 is infamous throughout Wales as a hotspot of accidents, delays and frustrations which affects businesses, tourists and local residents, who are all suffering as a result. The road has to cope with an ever increasing volume of traffic, a volume which it was simply not built for. The tailbacks and traffic jams are also extremely damaging to the environment. Despite this, the Assembly Government is not doing anything about it.

"There are alternative methods of transport available to business, including switching to rail or short sea shipping, both of which are more environmentally friendly. However, the Assembly Government must meet business half way by investing in the North Wales transport system to make connectivity between the rail, shipping and road links faster and more efficient.

"By providing viable alternative transportation options to business, the whole community will feel the benefit, especially the tourism industry, of an effective A55."

Ends

Eleanor Burnham's short debate - Across North Wales? - will take place this afternoon in the Senedd.