Plaid MS calls for Welsh Government legislation to clean up Swansea’s polluted air

Plaid MS Dr. Dai Lloyd has called for the Welsh Government to outline its timetable for the introduction of a Clean Air Act.

Last week the UK Government published data which showed that 3 in 4 urban areas, including Swansea, exceeded the EU’s legal limits on nitrogen dioxide levels.

Air quality data has consistently showed that areas such as Swansea and Neath Port Talbot have struggled to meet air quality standards, and despite the Welsh Government stating that it is in principle supportive of introducing a Clean Air Act, it has yet to outline a timetable.

Dr. Lloyd chairs the Clean Air Act Cross Party Group, and this week signed a Statement of Opinion at the Senedd calling on the Welsh Government to introduce a Clean Air Bill and to enshrine in law World Health Organisation air quality guidelines. He will quiz Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths on the matter at the Senedd today.

Dr. Lloyd stated:

“Swansea and neighbouring Neath Port Talbot have historically suffered from poor air quality, and despite efforts to improve the situation in recent years, many areas still have relatively high levels of air pollution.

“In Swansea, high levels of traffic in areas such as Fforestfach, Sketty and St. Thomas for example have a detrimental impact on air quality – particularly at peak times of the day. Indeed, other parts of the city, and in Neath Port Talbot suffer too.

“A Clean Air Act would enshrine into law WHO air quality guidelines and place a statutory duty on councils to appropriately monitor and assess air pollution, and to take mitigation measures.”

It has been estimated that air pollution causes the equivalent of 40,000 early deaths every year in the UK.

Dr. Lloyd added:

“Further improvements are needed from the Labour Welsh Government and local council to ensure that the air that we breathe is as clean as possible. More investment is needed in public transport, active travel options, reducing car emissions, and reducing speeds within built up areas.

“During the lockdown this year we saw a marked improvement in air quality standards in areas such as Sketty, Fforestfach and St. Thomas. However, during normal times, residents along residential streets in these areas are often unable to open their windows due to the level of emissions from cars, and have dust coating their doors and windows such is the level of pollution.

“As a society, we must get to grips with this situation. The evidence shows us that people are suffering premature deaths as a result of poor air quality. The Labour Welsh Government needs to bring forward a White paper which will become the foundation of the legislative framework for a new Clean Air Act for Wales.”