TOLL decreases on the Severn Bridge could have an impact on traffic levels around Newport, a public inquiry has heard.

Highways planner, Bryan Whittaker, gave evidence yesterday in support of the proposed M4 relief road around Newport, speaking about the “substantial changes” to tolls.

Mr Whittaker, who is a member of the M4 Relief Road project team, discussed traffic levels in relation to issues raised by objectors.

Objections included the need for the scheme in terms of traffic demand, concerns it would lead to more traffic and concerns traffic levels would spike if the Severn Crossing tolls were ever abolished.

He was questioned by the director of Pace Transportation Limited, Neil Anderson, who objected to the proposed M4 Relief Road on several grounds.

These included “any new parallel route” to the M4 “quickly filling up with induced traffic” and “undermining public transport in the corridor between the Severn crossings and Cardiff”.

Other objections included the “gross environmental damage that would be caused to the Gwent Wetlands”.

Earlier this year, Transport Secretary Christopher Grayling announced plans to slash tolls on the Severn Crossing, with cars paying £3 instead of £6.70 and HGVs paying £10 instead of £20.

Mr Whittaker, speaking at the inquiry, said this “substantial change” would have an “induced effect and an impact in Newport and Cardiff as a consequence”.

He added this impact would vary between different links but added that if the M4 scheme was to be put in place, some links might see traffic increase of 10 per cent.

When questioned, he also said these potential traffic increases would not be a “disbenefit to the scheme”.

His evidence added that sections of the M4 - between the Brynglas Tunnels and Junction 29 - are approaching “peak hour capacity on a regular basis under current conditions”.

Consisting of six lanes, the new motorway would be 23km, departing from the existing M4 at junction 23A, passing across a new River Usk bridge to connect with the existing junction at Castleton, junction 29.

The public inquiry is expected to run until July, and will hear from supporters / opponents of the proposed scheme as well as examining 22 alternatives put forward.

For more information, visit: m4-newport.persona-pi.com