Proposed changes to prioritise buses at Newport’s Old Green Roundabout face strong opposition from residents, who warn the overhaul could worsen congestion and air quality despite council optimism about sustainable transport benefits.
Plans to overhaul the Old Green Roundabout in Newport are stirring up significant public discontent, with many residents expressing concern over potential traffic issues and environmental implications. The proposed changes aim to transform the roundabout into a junction prioritising buses, a move intended to enhance public transport efficiency within the city. However, critics argue that this could exacerbate existing traffic congestion rather than alleviate it.
Local voices, including resident Roland Granville, have lamented the city's current state, questioning whether those in favour of the changes can recall the challenges Newport has previously faced. Granville warned that the city's air pollution levels could surge as vehicles remain gridlocked for extended periods, echoing similar concerns raised regarding the 50mph speed limits on the M4. This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety among residents about the impact of infrastructure changes on air quality and urban livability.
A petition has garnered traction, urging Newport Council Leader Dimitri Batrouni and Welsh Government Transport Minister Ken Skates to reconsider the proposed alterations. The petition, which aims for no changes to the roundabout, highlights worries over the potential for increased congestion and a decline in traffic flow. Residents are concerned that the proposed infrastructure changes may not account for the realities of everyday commuting, potentially leading to greater disruption rather than improvement.
Despite these mixed public reactions, various officials remain optimistic about the direction of Newport's transport plans. Councillor Yvonne Forsey voiced cautious optimism regarding the city’s air quality, citing improvements attributed to recent traffic measures such as lower speed limits on the M4 and the introduction of more electric buses. Yet, even she acknowledged the possibility of 'street canyon' effects, where obstructions can exacerbate pollution levels in certain urban areas.
Ongoing discussions about the overhaul of the Old Green Roundabout come amid broader transport reform initiatives across Newport, including a proposal for a new public transport interchange at the Newport railway station. The ambition is to foster sustainable travel options, emphasising cycling and walking, but opposition councillors have raised concerns about the feasibility of these plans. They argue that the proposed changes may unintentionally complicate driving conditions and could lead to negative repercussions for local businesses.
As Newport City Council pushes forward with its plans for road layout changes, the future of the Old Green Roundabout remains contentious. With local dissent clearly articulated and a petition in circulation, it is evident that the city's residents are keenly aware of the balance needed between improving public transport and maintaining the integrity of roadways crucial for daily commutes. The council's commitment to enhancing Newport's transport infrastructure will require not only strong advocacy but also careful consideration of community needs to avoid the pitfalls of misalignment between proposed changes and public sentiment.
The stakes are high, as a successful transformation of Newport’s roundabout could signify progress towards a more sustainable urban environment, while any misstep might lead to further frustration among a populace already feeling the pressure of rapid change. As public discourse continues, the outcome remains uncertain, underscoring the importance of community engagement in municipal decision-making.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent developments regarding the Old Green Roundabout in Newport, with the latest updates from March 2025. The earliest known publication date of similar content is February 2023, indicating that the core information has been in circulation for over a year. The article includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. Additionally, the article references a petition created on 18 March 2025, suggesting that the content is relatively current. ([change.org](https://www.change.org/p/no-change-to-the-old-green-roundabout?utm_source=openai)) However, the narrative's reliance on previously reported information raises concerns about its originality. The presence of the petition indicates active public engagement, but the overall freshness score is moderate due to the recycled nature of the content. ([news.tfw.wales](https://news.tfw.wales/news/progress-update-on-sustainable-travel-proposals-for-newport-city-centre?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from local residents and officials, such as Roland Granville and Councillor Yvonne Forsey. A search reveals that similar quotes from these individuals have appeared in earlier reports, indicating potential reuse of content. For instance, Councillor Forsey's comments about the city's air quality improvements and concerns about 'street canyon' effects were previously reported in March 2025. ([herald.wales](https://herald.wales/south-wales/newport/newport-road-overhaul-plans-still-on-track-despite-mixed-public-reaction/?utm_source=openai)) The repetition of these quotes suggests that the article may not offer new insights or perspectives, raising questions about its originality.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from the South Wales Argus, a regional newspaper with a longstanding presence in the area. While the publication is reputable, it is not as widely recognised as national outlets like the BBC or Reuters. The article references a petition on Change.org, which is a platform that allows anyone to create petitions, making it difficult to verify the authenticity of the petition and the claims within it. The reliance on a single source for the petition's information introduces uncertainty regarding the credibility of the claims made.
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative discusses proposed changes to the Old Green Roundabout in Newport, including replacing it with a traffic light-controlled junction prioritising buses. This aligns with previous reports from March 2025, which mention similar plans for the roundabout. ([herald.wales](https://herald.wales/south-wales/newport/newport-road-overhaul-plans-still-on-track-despite-mixed-public-reaction/?utm_source=openai)) The inclusion of a petition with 862 verified signatures indicates active public engagement and concern. However, the article lacks specific details about the petition's content and the individuals involved, making it challenging to fully assess the plausibility of the claims. The absence of direct quotes from the petition or detailed information about the petitioners raises questions about the depth of the reporting.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents recycled content with previously reported quotes and information, raising concerns about its originality and freshness. The reliance on a single, unverifiable source for the petition's information introduces uncertainty regarding the credibility of the claims made. The lack of new insights or perspectives further diminishes the article's value. Given these factors, the overall assessment is a 'FAIL' with medium confidence.
