New powers to tackle air and noise pollution in Wales

Wales has introduced new draft powers to tackle air and noise pollution, with Climate Change Minister Julie James saying the legislation will lead to a cleaner, healthier and greener future.

The Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill, part of a wider package of measures to improve air quality in Wales, gives the Welsh Government greater ability to tackle air and noise pollution.

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Under the proposed legislation, Welsh ministers will have the power to introduce long-term targets for air quality, taking into account the latest scientific knowledge, including World Health Organisation Air Quality Guidelines.

Low-emission zones will also be created on Welsh Government trunk roads where needed, while local authorities will be given more power to tackle vehicle idling, including the power to issue fixed penalty notices.

The bill also proposes an obligation on Welsh ministers to introduce a national soundscapes strategy, making Wales the first nation in the UK to make such a commitment.

The move follows emerging science on the impacts of sounds on health and wellbeing, as well as that of animals.

Climate Change Minister Julie James said:

“Our Programme for Government sets out a commitment to introduce a Clean Air Bill for Wales and I am delighted we have reached the first stage in our legislative journey which will lead the way to a cleaner, healthier and greener future.”

“By introducing this Bill, our ambition is to further improve air quality and soundscapes by bringing forward new measures to reduce the impacts of air and noise pollution on human health, biodiversity and the natural environment.”

“The scale and scope of the Bill reflects our commitment to improving the quality of our air environment at a Wales-wide level, at a local and regional level and throughout society."

The bill was introduced to the Senedd on 20 March.