From 04 October, motorists exceeding the 50mph speed limits on some of Wales’ most polluted roads could receive a letter or fine, the Welsh government has warned.
The decision to introduce environmental speed limits to improve air quality levels in five locations across Wales in 2018 was the first of its kind in the UK.
The schemes have already been successful in lowering the levels of nitrogen dioxide in affected areas by up to 47%, according to the Welsh government. It added this helps to protect people from serious illness as well as playing a part in tackling the climate emergency.
Air pollution is considered to be one of the largest environmental health risks, as stated by the World Health Organisation, as it increases risks of heart and lung disease and contributes towards the worsening of pre-existing health conditions such as asthma.
Deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters, who has a responsibility for transport, said: “We’ve made significant progress in bringing emissions levels down in recent years, but we now have to go further and faster.
“We know that slower speed limits are not a popular choice, but we need to do things differently and be bold if we are to stand a chance of tackling climate change.
“It’s clear that the speed restrictions we’ve introduced on our most polluted roads are working – the results speak for themselves – but compliance with these limits is essential if we are to achieve the reductions we need to make in the shortest possible time.
“We need to act now to make Wales a safe place to live with clean air for everyone.”
The roads affected by the air pollution speed limit includes the A494 at the Wales England border, the A493 in Wrexham, A470 in Pontypridd and two stretches of the M4.
Mark Travis, South Wales Police roads policing lead for Wales and assistant chief constable, added: “All four Welsh Forces are supporting its implementation, with the enforcement of these speed limits approached in a consistent, proportionate and transparent manner.”
