Thank you to everyone who attended my public meeting last week to discuss roads and transport across the Forest of Dean. It was an opportunity to hear your experiences and understand the challenges you face day to day. Congestion, bridge closures, poor road conditions, limited public transport, and safety concerns are affecting lives across our community.

I heard your frustrations loud and clear, and I’m committed to working hard to deliver the solutions we’ve been calling for far too long.

Just two days after the meeting, I visited the M48 Severn Bridge to meet National Highways on-site. The sudden closure of the Prince of Wales Bridge on 9th December highlighted the scale of the issues we face and reinforced the urgent need for improvements, including the possibility of a third crossing.

During the visit, National Highways explained that the overnight closure was required to remove faulty lamp columns posing a safety risk. National Highways provided assurance that there is no risk of a bridge collapse, and the issue is contained to surface corrosion on specific columns of which have now been removed.

I welcomed their swift response, and it was reassuring to see the bridge reopened safely and quickly. Many residents were anxious, and it was a relief to see the immediate danger addressed. But it also highlighted how reliant we are on these critical crossings—and how urgent it is to plan for the future.

This urgent meeting was about more than a single incident. It was a vital opportunity to ensure National Highways fully understands the daily challenges faced by people living in the Forest of Dean. During my public meeting, I heard firsthand how congestion, weight limits, the removal of the bridge toll, and closures are affecting local lives. National Highways were unable to attend my meeting and hear these concerns for themselves, and that’s why securing this urgent meeting was crucial.

I have already initiated discussions with the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander, to escalate these matters and make the case for infrastructure that can genuinely alleviate congestion and improve travel safety. While there is no quick fix, I am committed to working closely with all relevant organisations to ensure that time, investment, and attention are directed where they are most needed.

I held a public meeting last week, I listened, and now I’m taking action.

I am bringing my constituents’ concerns straight to the top, pushing to ensure the voice of the Forest is heard, and working to achieve the solutions our community has been calling for far too long.

The Forest of Dean deserves reliable infrastructure that works for residents, businesses, and visitors alike. I will continue to fight for the funding, planning, and improvements we need, and I’ll keep you updated every step of the way. Your voices matter, and together we can drive the changes our community urgently needs.

If you feel your concerns were not addressed at the meeting, please contact my office at [email protected] so we can ensure they are raised with the relevant authorities.