Air Pollution

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:33 pm on 15 June 2021.

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Photo of Mark Drakeford Mark Drakeford Labour 1:33, 15 June 2021

Well, Llywydd, I thank John Griffiths for that supplementary question and, of course, agree with him about the significance of clean air to human health, to the environment, to biodiversity, and indeed to our economy. The Welsh Government, Llywydd, is investing nearly £30 million in electric and low-emission buses, in taxis, and in improving our charging infrastructure, particularly in those places where people are most likely to be travelling—so, at railway station car parks and public car parks. Our £4 million green taxi pilots have purchased 50 fully electric wheelchair-compliant taxis, so that taxi drivers can take them on a use-and-decide basis, so that they can see the advantages for themselves. 

And, Llywydd, can I particularly commend the actions of Newport council for the leadership they have shown with the extended flexi bus service that has recently been introduced? On Thursday of this week, the Deputy Minister for Climate Change will be visiting Newport council to celebrate the launch of their new active travel routes as part of Clean Air Day, and I know that that's going to take place at Lliswerry, where the council will be showcasing some of the 15 new electric buses that they have available as part of their electric vehicle fleet and which will help significantly to provide clean air for the citizens of Newport.