Plans to introduce a fixed 50mph speed limit on the M4 through Newport have been put on hold while the country deals with the Covid-19 pandemic.
In December the South East Wales Transport Commission recommended scrapping the current variable speed limit and replacing it with a fixed 50mph limit as part of fast-track measures to reduce congestion on the M4 around Newport.
Under the plans average speed cameras would be used to enforce the new speed restriction between junction 24 (Coldra) and junction 28 (Tredegar Park).
The Welsh Government said plans to install the average speed cameras will now be postponed due to the coronavirus crisis.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: "Coronavirus will have an impact on resources and equipment availability. The average speed zone will be in place when traffic flows return to normal."
The South East Wales Transport Commission was established in June following the Welsh Government’s decision to scrap the M4 Black Route.
“Fast-track” recommendations, which also include enhancing lane guidance on the approach to the Brynglas Tunnels and improving traffic officer response times to crashes, were made to the Welsh Government in December as short-term measures to improve the situation quickly.
The commission are expected to make further long-term recommendations aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in another report at the end of 2020, which is likely to include improving public transport systems between Cardiff, Newport, and Bristol.
In December the commission said they would not be revisiting options for a relief road after the Welsh Government made the decision to scrap the project last year.
