Air your opinions on new measures to curb pollution on Welsh roads

The Welsh government wants to hear your views on the final package of measures proposed to improve air quality on motorways and trunk roads.

In July, the Welsh government published its interim supplemental plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations alongside the UK government’s own plan – ‘Tackling Roadside Nitrogen Dioxide Concentrations in Wales’.

This supplemental plan contained potential measures to achieve compliance in the shortest possible time with limit values for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) at five locations along the motorway and trunk road network in Wales.

Where sections of the network currently exceed Ambient Air Quality Directive and Welsh Regulation values for NO2 concentrations, the Welsh government has acted to safeguard public health with the immediate implementation of a temporary 50 miles per hour speed limit. This limit has shown to improve NO2 values.

The current consultation on this final package of measures, known as WelTAG Stage Three, follows the consultation exercise that took place back in April 2018 on the Stage One and Stage Two findings. It will also seek opinions on the 50 miles per hour speed limit.

“The contribution made by the environment to good health cannot be overstated,” said Transport Secretary Ken Skates. “Tackling poor air quality is a priority for the Welsh government, reflected in our national strategy ‘Prosperity for All’. We will reduce emissions and deliver vital improvements in air quality through planning, infrastructure and regulation measures.

“Alongside the other devolved administrations, we’re working actively to meet our joint objective with the UK government to transform the UK’s most polluted towns and cities into clean and healthy urban spaces, supporting those most directly affected.

“We now need your views on the proposed final measures to achieve compliance within the shortest possible time with the limit values laid down by the directive and regulations at each of these five locations.”

Minister for Environment, Hannah Blythyn, added: “I welcome people’s views on these proposed measures, which aim to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels to within legal limits in the shortest possible time. It’s important to remember the main reason for taking this action, which is to improve air quality and reduce the harmful effect vehicle emissions can have on people’s health and well-being.”

To air your opinions please visit the Welsh government website.

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