Janet Finch-Saunders

Minister, you’ll be aware that, over a year ago, at a cost of £4 million to the taxpayer, emergency cross-over points to facilitate traffic, especially during delays and congestion, were installed on the A55. Yet, during all the very many weeks that we had problematic roadworks there, these barriers were not used. I have to say that a lot of motorists and residents in Aberconwy are furious about this. Minister, will you confirm, please, and tell the Chamber why they were not used, when they have actually been put in there? And can you give us assurances that, during any more problematic roadworks there, these will be used at all times?

Edwina Hart

Can we please not use the words ‘problematic roadworks’? These roadworks have been undertaken for the safety and reliability of the network and for the safety and reliability of the people who are travelling on it. My primary concern when I do these roadworks is to ensure human life at the end of the day, because that is my principal concern. I appreciate how difficult some of this will be, and my officials try as hard as they can to mitigate it. I will certainly draw attention to your comments to my officials who help to run the network.