Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Watts was proposed by Councillor Crook, seconded by Councillor Howells. Councillor Watts was elected Chair. 

Councillor Penny Jones was proposed by Councillor Howells, seconded by Councillor Crook. Councillor Jones was elected Vice-Chair.

Jill Bond, substituted by John Crook. 

None. 

None. 

Jonathan Hill delivered a presentation and answered the members’ questions with Alan Feist, Cabinet Member Catrin Maby and Deb Hill-Howells: 

• What consideration has been given to the impact on Magor Roundabout (Junction 23A), as it was not covered in the presentation but is a key part of the traffic network? 

Magor Roundabout is not part of the National Highways network, as responsibility ends at the eastern extent of the bridge. However, its importance is recognised and National Highways funded the signalisation of the roundabout to help mitigate impacts. Ongoing engagement is taking place with Welsh Government, Monmouthshire County Council and other partners, and councillors will be kept informed through those channels. 

• Where will HGVs be stacked under the proposed system, and will this create congestion around junctions or local areas? 

There is no expectation of significant stacking under the proposed system. The design means traffic signals will remain green most of the time, allowing HGVs to move continuously. Any queuing will be minimal, typically only two or three vehicles on slip roads, and large-scale holding of vehicles is not anticipated as the system is designed to manage incidents rather than routine traffic flow. 

• What happens when the bridge is closed – will the system still prevent congestion and stacking? 

In the event of a bridge closure, there will still be significant congestion, similar to current situations. The proposed system is not designed to manage the wider network impacts of closures but is intended to allow HGVs to use the bridge safely when it is open and to reduce the economic impact of the weight restrictions. 

• How is the wider network, particularly Magor Roundabout, being considered within the overall solution given its direct connection to Junctions 1 and 2? 

National Highways is aware of the interdependence between their network and surrounding routes, including Magor Roundabout. Regular communication takes place with Welsh Government and other stakeholders through operational discussions and a stakeholder steering group. While responsibility for the roundabout lies elsewhere, National Highways is actively engaged and will continue to share information to support coordinated decision-making. 

• Given the recent breaches of the weight limit at the Menai Bridge, are you liaising with the authority responsible, and are there any lessons you can learn from their experience when implementing your own technology? 

National Highways confirmed that they are aware of the issues at the Menai Bridge. They advised that the technology being used there differs from the one proposed for the Severn Bridge, but they will remain in contact and continue engagement through the stakeholder steering group to ensure that any relevant lessons are identified and taken into account. 

• What are the costs to date for this project, what is the estimated cost of the medium-term solution, and who is funding it? 

The costs incurred to date for the medium-term solution are approximately £1.5 million, covering feasibility work, detailed design and early procurement activity. The current estimated total cost for the medium-term solution is in the region of £23 million. This is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

The minutes were confirmed, proposed by Councillor Howells and seconded by Councillor Jones. 

The committee acknowledged that items for future meetings hadn’t confirmed dates due to ongoing difficulties in securing availability from external partners who are required to attend for key scrutiny topics.  

Members suggested that the Aneurin Bevan Health Board should be invited back for a future session, particularly in light of leadership changes, a new chair and recent developments from the Welsh Health Minister, including policy changes (e.g. relating to waiting lists).  It was suggested that inviting them later in the year (e.g. autumn) would allow time for the new leadership and policies to bed in, enabling a more meaningful discussion. 

Members requested that a follow-up be scheduled on dental services. 

Noted. 

27th July 2026 at 10.00am.