50mph schemes in Wales proving to drive down air pollution

A scheme that introduced environmental speed limits to improve air quality levels in five locations across Wales in 2018 have  significantly lowered the levels of nitrogen dioxide by up to 47%, the Welsh Government has reported.

To ensure compliance with the scheme, from 4 October, motorists exceeding the 50mph speed limits on the designated roads in Wales could receive a letter or fine through their doors.

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters, who has a responsibility for Transport said: "We've made significant progress in bringing emissions levels down in recent years, but we now have to go further and faster.

"We know that slower speed limits are not a popular choice, but we need to do things differently and be bold if we are to stand a chance of tackling climate change.

"It’s clear that the speed restrictions we’ve introduced on our most polluted roads are working – the results speak for themselves – but compliance with these limits is essential if we are to achieve the reductions we need to make in the shortest possible time."

South Wales Police, Roads Policing Lead for Wales, Assistant Chief Constable, Mark Travis commented: "The implementation of the 50mph speed limits, for environmental reasons, on some of Wales’s busiest roads is an important issue to tackle pollution and to give Wales and its communities a cleaner and healthier future.

"All four Welsh Forces are supporting its implementation, with the enforcement of these speed limits approached in a consistent, proportionate and transparent manner."