(Title Image: Senedd Cymru)
Another white paper launched last week concerning proposals for a Clean Air Bill (pdf) – which has been long-demanded by the Senedd.
Poor air quality is linked to 1,400 deaths every year in Wales. Some local authorities have amongst the highest levels of air pollution in the UK, largely linked to road traffic and industrial activity.
The white paper proposes:
- Placing a legal duty on the Welsh Government to prepare a Clean Air Plan, updated at least once every five years.
- Introducing a new regime of air quality targets based on World Health Organisation guidelines.
- Updating and enhancing laws concerning Air Quality Management Areas.
- Specific measures to improve air quality including enhanced powers over road charging (i.e. emissions-based charging), introducing fines for idling cars and gradually phasing out the use of solid fuel (i.e. wood, charcoal, coal) in the home.
It’s expected a Clean Air Bill will be drafted in April 2022, though there’s no timetable for when the Bill will be introduced to the Senedd.
Although this is partially dependent on the 2021 Senedd election, a Clean Air Act has cross-party support and will likely feature in several manifestos later this year.
The consultation is open until 7th April 2021 – more information here.
