From 18 June, temporary 50 mph speed limits and other measures
are being introduced at five locations on Welsh roads to improve
air quality and save lives. The measures are aimed at reducing
levels of nitrogen dioxide where emissions have been found to
exceed legal limits.
Poor air quality contributes to an estimated 2,000 deaths per
year in Wales, with exposure affecting vulnerable population
groups in particular. Gases such as nitrogen dioxide can increase
the symptoms of people with lung diseases, while short-term
exposure is associated with increased cardiovascular and
respiratory morbidity.
The temporary 50 mph speed limits will be introduced at short
stretches of road, between 1.4km to 5.9km in length, at the
following five locations:
- A494 at Deeside
- A483 at Wrexham
- M4 between Junctions 41 & 42 (Port Talbot)
- M4 between junctions 25 & 26 (Newport)
- A470 between Upper Boat & Pontypridd
Other measures include increased signage to promote smooth
traffic flow. The measures are expected to deliver immediate
improvements to air quality, with emissions estimated to
potentially reduce by up to 18% at the five locations.
Evidence shows that nitrogen dioxide emissions are at their
lowest when light vehicles, the main contributors to emissions,
travel at speeds between 40 and 50 mph. The speed limits are also
expected to have a smoothing effect, with vehicles travelling at
more constant speeds.
The temporary speed restrictions are part of a range of actions
being introduced by the Welsh Government to improve air quality
in Wales, including a new £20m Air Quality Fund, a Clean Air Zone
Framework and a new Air Quality website providing local data on
air pollution levels.
Minister for Environment, , said:
“I am committed to taking action to reduce air pollution in Wales
to support a healthier future for our communities and protect our
natural environment. Current levels of nitrogen dioxide exceed
the legal limit at the five road locations, so we need to act as
soon as possible.
“We have been carrying out investigations into all potential
measures for reducing nitrogen dioxide levels. Our initial
studies tell us that 50 mph speed limits should have the greatest
potential to improve air quality at each location. The
actions we take to improve air quality in Wales have a key role
in supporting the right conditions for better health and
well-being.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport, , said:
“I want to see concrete measures put in place by the UK
Government which focus on removing the source of the
problem. They have prevented us from taking our preferred
course of action – it is now time for them to step up and use the
powers which they have so closely guarded for the benefit of the
people of Wales.”
“The root cause is the emissions from vehicles, but legislative
competence for vehicle standards and fiscal measures, such as the
Vehicle Excise Duty and Company Car Tax, remain with the UK
Government. Despite repeated calls, the UK Government has
consistently refused to devolve powers which allow us to improve
standards and incentivise improved emissions through the tax
regime.”
A consultation is open until 19 June on plans to reduce
concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, as part of the wider UK plan
to tackle roadside NO2 concentrations.
Notes
- Details of the traffic measures and a FAQ can be found on the
Traffic Wales website:
- The consultation on Tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide
concentrations in Wales closes on 19 June:
- The consultation on a Clean Air Zone Framework for Wales also
closes on 19 June: :
