A new bill proposes the Welsh Government should have new powers to tackle climate change in Wales, including the ability to create low-emission zones on some major roads. The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill was introduced to the Senedd on Monday and would give the Welsh Government greater ability to tackle air and noise pollution.
While the Welsh Government said it had no current plans to charge drivers low-emission zones – bringing with them charges for users of some vehicles in busier areas – may be introduced for busy stretches of the M4 and A470 if existing 50mph zones fail to reduce harmful emissions. Parts of the M4 around Newport and the A470 have been considered as potential clean air zones. Such zones are already in use in may parts of England including Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, and Sheffield. Other plans include harsher fines for drivers who leave their car engines on while stationary – especially when parked outside schools.
If passed the bill will give powers to the Welsh Government to introduce new long-term targets for air quality under a national framework taking account of the latest scientific knowledge including the World Health Organisation (WHO) Air Quality Guidelines. The WHO has described air and noise pollution as significant environmental risks to public health. According to the Welsh Government it is estimated that the mortality burden of long‐term exposure to outdoor air pollution in Wales is equivalent to 1,200 to 2,000 deaths of people aged 30 years and over. It is important to note that these are not actual deaths as the estimate relates to air pollution being regarded as contributing to mortality. For more Welsh politics news sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
