18/08/2026
The planned changes to remove the Old Green roundabout will gridlock Newport’s City Centre. We strongly oppose the changes.
Labour first introduced bus lanes in Newport. Afterward, even a Labour Council Cabinet Member called it a ‘stupid idea’ in 2004. Ron Jones was a highly respected Labour councillor. He was never afraid to speak out and stand up for Newport.
We stood firm and opposed the introduction of bus lanes from the moment they were installed.
When we needed our Labour led council to stand up and oppose the changes to the Old Green roundabout, they disappeared into the long grass. There is no strong leadership within Newport Council. That needs to change.
Just like in 2004, Labour are now split on the Old Green changes.
In December, Labour Cllr Matthew Pimm said he had “struggled to get answers” about the project. Cllr Pimm added “Is this going to be something in years to come we look at and it didn’t improve what we thought it would improve?”
Cllr Pimm is right to be concerned.
Again, the Newport Conservatives have firmly opposed the changes to the Old Green Roundabout.
Plaid and Labour’s ’War on Motorists’ must be stopped in Newport.
Don’t let history repeat itself 👇🏻
SOUTH WALES ARGUS 2004
Friday, October 22, 2004
“At last, this traffic boss admits what our readers know – the bus lanes idea was stupid’
PLANNING CHANGE: Councillor Ron Jones says the bus lane idea was stupid.
AFTER three years of traffic jams and headaches for thousands of motorists after bus lanes were introduced in Newport a leading councillor finally admitted – we got it wrong.
And now Councillor Ron Jones, cabinet member for transport with Newport city council, said the green lanes must be changed.
He said the bus lanes are a "stupid" idea with "no real thought behind it", adding they waste "acres" of precious roadspace.
The lanes have been blamed for traffic woes ever since they were introduced in 2001 at a cost of £1.35m under the then supervision of Councillor Graham Dally who retired in June.
Councillor Jones, who then took up the post, told councillors: "The council introduced this scheme without putting any real thought behind it. If we had, then we wouldn't have done it.
"We've got acres and acres of road that are empty most of the time. It's stupid not to use that part of the road."
Councillor Jones wants to open the bus lanes to all traffic, except during weekday peak hours.
He launched the furious attack at a scrutiny meeting this week of councillors who were supposed to be discussing how the off-peak scheme could be policed.
But the talks could not take place because council officers had not provided a report listing the options.
Conservative Councillor David Atwell joined several councillors and the scrutiny chairman in criticising the failure of engineering boss Brian Kemp to provide a report on time. He said: "It's appalling. Is it the officers or the council who are running this authority?"
Conservative Councillor Matthew Evans said: "The lanes are probably one of the worst decisions this council has taken in the last five years. The impact on the city centre has been devastating."
Councillor Jones also wants councillors to consider letting vehicles carrying multiple passengers use the lanes at any time.
A council spokeswoman said a clash of meetings meant Mr Kemp was unable to attend. She said the councillors were still able to debate the issue.
Bus lanes are in Chepstow Road, Cardiff Road, Clarence Place, Queensway, Kingsway, Malpas Road and from Old Green to Harlequin roundabout.
Former councillor Mr Dally was unavailable for comment.
‘It won't bring my customers back'
JACQUELINE Summers, who runs a bridal wear shop in Clarence Place, Newport, complained two years ago that bus lanes were threatening her 20-year-old business.
Yesterday she said: "I've definitely lost business through these bus lanes and they are still affecting me.
"I'm not surprised a councillor is saying they weren't thought through properly. But that's not going to bring my customers back, or provide any compensation.
"Peak hour round here are from nine to five anyway, so what's the point of any new rule?"
Two other traders who complained about the bus lanes in May 2002 have since shut shop.
Robert Hughes closed electrical store AE Hughes and Sons in May 2002 after 94 years of trading. He said the bus lanes were the last straw.
Nearby Tennessee Fried Chicken, whose owner Valerie May said the bus lanes cut takings by 40%, ceased trading months later.
Photo credit: South Wales Argus
