3. What further steps will the Welsh Government take to reduce air pollution? OAQ53245

Thank you. Our clean air programme for Wales is considering evidence to inform the development and implementation of actions across Government departments and sectors to reduce the burden of poor air. This work will inform the development of a clean air plan for Wales, which we will publish for consultation this year.

Thank you for that, Minister. I wonder if you might say a little more about Welsh Government policy on greening our inner urban areas, whether that be tree planting, such as community orchards, or other greening measures. It seems to me that, partly, that will directly affect air quality and improve air quality, but it's really important that we connect our people in Wales more directly with nature. A lot of what we want to see happen is about behavioural change, and I think if people have quality local environments, then they do become more aware of environmental issues, whether it's moving away from car use to a more integrated transport system, or supporting a range of other progressive environmental measures the Welsh Government has taken, and will take. So, I just wonder to what extent you will be acting on that agenda, Minister, of addressing those inner urban environmental issues.

Thank you. I agree with everything John Griffiths says around people's perception of their environment. We have our forest strategy, 'Woodlands for Wales', and that sets out our vision for forestry and woodland creation in Wales. Our policy remains very clear that we want to obviously see more woodland creation. You'll be aware that the First Minister, in his manifesto, said he wants to see a national forest, and again, I've had early discussions with him around how we take that forward.

I think it's really important, also, that we build on our natural resources policy. That includes supporting the development of resilient ecological networks so that we can maintain and enhance Wales's ecosystems in very-well-located woodlands. And, obviously, urban areas are very important too.

Minister, do you welcome the UK Government's recent decision to commit to air quality standards based on World Health Organization recommendations, which are much tougher than the EU recommendations, and, indeed, to commit to reducing the number of people living in areas that breach WHO guidelines and to reduce it by half, at least, by 2025? I understand the UK Government is about to publish its own report on new targets that can be set on data that would take us through the WHO guidelines and ensure that that rigour is applied to public policy. Is that a course you're likely to follow in Wales?

Well, certainly, I'm very interested to read the report when it does come out. I've had just a very brief discussion with the Minister around it. I'll have a look at what targets they're setting and see what we can learn from it.

In terms of tackling the air pollution challenges in Port Talbot, it's clear that action is needed on a number of fronts, including promoting the use of public transport. So, how does your Government square that ambition with the fact that you have cut the level of funding for bus subsidies to local authorities over recent years?

Well, obviously, air quality in Port Talbot is something I'm keeping a very close eye on. It remains a priority for us and we are working with the local authority to see how we can improve and better understand the issues in the area. And, obviously, they will have to consider that as part of their plan to reduce the amount of air pollution.

Well, as Dai Lloyd has pointed out, Port Talbot has unfortunately got a reputation for bad air quality, but we understand some of the reasons behind it. John Griffiths highlighted that perhaps one solution is trees: more trees along our routes, because we have two major roads passing through it. But you've had discussions with Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council. Have you also had discussions as to where your monitoring comes into play? Because I attended the healthy air cross-party group yesterday and it was clear that the monitoring—actual monitoring and the actual data—was still lacking because we are using models from DEFRA, and that, necessarily, isn't based upon factual data per se. So, what are you doing with the council to actually put monitoring places into situations so we actually have the data so that we can assess what the air quality is and how we can tackle it?

Well, the data is obviously very important, and I know my officials have asked the council to re-examine the short-term action plan to see what approach it's taking, what evidence they have that underpinned it. As I say, the data will be very important too because we need to make sure that that plan is the best way of tackling the poor air quality. They have had an independent peer review with a university—I think it's the University of the West of England—and I think they're expecting that report in the very near future.

Minister, whichever model you use for controlling and dealing with air pollution, I have within my constituency, on the A470 between Nantgarw and Treforest junctions, one of the most polluted areas in the whole of Wales. I know that speed restriction measures have been taken, but I wonder if you could outline the measures that have been taken and what further action could be taken. Because it is not only a massive congested traffic area, but the air conditions there are positively very, very dangerous, and it's an area that needs urgent monitoring and ongoing attention.

Thank you. As you say, there is a 50 mph speed limit that's been imposed there and that will be reviewed periodically. We will leave them in place as long as we think necessary to maintain air quality standards on that part of the road. I think what's really paramount to the effectiveness of these 50 mph speed limits—I've got one in my own constituency—obviously, is compliance. I think we need to be much more upfront about what it is. I've certainly heard people say in Wrexham that they don't understand why they've got that stretch of 50 mph. We've now got a sign saying that it's to reduce emissions. But I think perhaps we need to be even more clear in relation to that.

We will be commissioning a further review of measures that may have the potential to improve air quality at the location of nitrogen dioxide exceedance. We're also taking significant steps around congestion on the A470, and I know that my colleague Ken Skates—his officials have established a pinchpoints programme to look at a range of solutions to address the known problems in that area.

Question 4 [OAQ53257] is withdrawn. Question 5, Mohammad Asghar.