Welsh Government publishes Clean Air Plan

The Welsh Government has launched its clean air plan, which outlines the measures it will take to improve the country’s air quality.

Some of the measures include investing in active travel infrastructure, improving rail services and supporting the aim for a zero tailpipe emission taxi and bus fleet by 2028.

Other actions include finding ways to reduce personal vehicle use, such as by introducing road user charging, Clean Air Zones, and implementing an electric vehicle charging strategy. It also plans to support an increase in ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV), as well as promote a shift to ULEVs for waste collection.

Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said: "I am very pleased to announce the launch of our Clean Air Plan, which sets out how we will look to improve air quality across Wales, and deal with those problems caused by air pollution, during the next 10 years.

"The aims outlined in the Plan are there to safeguard the most vulnerable, but improving our air quality nationwide will be to the benefit of everyone in Wales, and it’s something we should all want and strive for. But in order to achieve that, we have to take action now.

"Much of that work is already underway – despite the recent pandemic, we have been able to support local authorities in commencing work on schemes to improve air quality across Wales, with the changes to Castle Street being one example.

"We know that as people across Wales have responded to those restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they have changed how they do things and taken on new habits – including decreasing their reliance on cars, and doing more in their local areas, rather than feeling the need to travel long distances."