Welsh Government has launched its plan to improve Wales’ air quality.
The plan, Healthy air, healthy Wales, has been published following public consultation in late 2019. It aims to reduce air pollution and health risks, and address inequalities that disproportionately affect certain people and communities, affecting their health. It also aims to support biodiversity and agriculture, reduce emissions and create sustainable places to live.
Proposed measures include:
- Investment in active travel infrastructure, as per the Active Travel Act.
- Improved rail services.
- Supporting people to reduce personal vehicle emissions.
- Development of an Air Pollution Monitoring Framework.
- More and better hedge and tree planting alongside the expansion of woodlands.
- Strengthening the control of emissions in agriculture.
- Delivering enhanced behaviour change communications and producing new statutory guidance to help protect workforces from exposure to air pollution.
- Proposals for a Clean Air Act for Wales
Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for the Environment, said: ‘While the Clean Air Plan will require us all to play our part in tackling poor air quality, the recent actions undertaken by the people of Wales [during the Covid-19 crisis] show what we can do when we come together in order to protect the most vulnerable.’
Joseph Carter, Chair of Healthy Air Cymru, said: ‘Having been involved in the development of this plan, we are incredibly proud of what it has become. This ambitious proposal offers the opportunity to transform our country and create a greener, healthier Wales.
‘However, this plan cannot be delivered overnight and will need support from everyone across Wales. Now is the time to make this issue a priority – this is about delivering for people and communities across Wales.
‘We all have a role to play in improving air quality across Wales, and through working together, we can build upon it and work together to deliver for future generations.’