13. Will the Minister make a statement on levels of traffic pollution in rural areas? OAQ(5)0013(ERA)

Thank you. Generally, rural areas are not impacted by significant levels of pollution from traffic, due to the smaller volumes of traffic in rural locations. A small number of rural towns have elevated levels of pollutants generated by traffic. Local authorities implement air-quality action plans to reduce pollution in these locations.

In areas in my constituency, such as Caerleon and Marshfield, they’ve seen an increase in the number of HGVs driving through their areas. These roads are often unsuitable for this sort of traffic, yet they’re often used as shortcuts. What assessment has the Minister made of the impact of such traffic on the levels of air pollution and noise pollution in these sorts of areas?

Well, obviously, the roads in question are the responsibility of the local authority. I know that officials have been talking to Newport City Council, who have recently commissioned a traffic and air quality assessment within Caerleon. What they want to do is identify traffic-related measures, which, if they could be implemented, would improve the air quality, and potentially noise also. I’ve asked officials to stay in close contact with them to take it forward.

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary.