The long-standing need to dual the A40, a vital route for freight and logistics connecting west Wales to the rest of the country has been raised again, as well as road safety on the A477.

Without more investment journey times are increasing and adding further costs for operators.

“For a haulage firm, time is money,” said Conservative candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, Samuel Kurtz.

“The A40 and M4 are a lifeline for us, and without proper investment, companies here are at a clear disadvantage. We need to see real progress, and real investment.”

Road safety, particularly on the A477, has seen calls from Kurtz made for urgent upgrades to improve safety and reliability for HGV drivers and other road users.

“Improving the A477 isn’t just about convenience, it’s about safety,” continued Kurtz.

“Hauliers are on these roads every day, and we need to ensure routes are safe, resilient, and fit for purpose.”

His fellow Conservative candidate for Ceredigion Penfro, Paul Davies has also highlighted challenges around driver welfare, including a lack of suitable rest areas, secure parking, and basic facilities for HGV drivers across west Wales.

“Driver welfare is too often overlooked. If we want to support the haulage sector and tackle driver shortages, we need proper facilities which include safe parking, rest areas, and access to basic amenities,” he remarked.

Wider transport network has also been highlighted, including the need to revisit major infrastructure projects such as the M4 relief road, which businesses say is essential for easing congestion and improving freight movement across south Wales.

On the impact of the default 20mph speed limit, Kurtz added: “Hauliers understand the importance of road safety, but a blanket 20mph approach is not working for logistics. It’s slowing down journeys, increasing costs, and making it harder for businesses to operate efficiently.”