Wales Green Party Deputy Leader, Hannah Pudner, calls for attention to be given to Wales over illegal air pollution breaches. The response follows today's high court judgement that the Westminster Government's plan to tackle air pollution is illegally poor.
Hannah Pudner said:
"The air pollution crisis is not just facing London, it's a clear and present danger here in Wales. In fact, Crumlin in Caerphilly has the second worst air quality in the UK, second only to London's Marylebone Road. We urge the Welsh Government to tackle this issue which is causing over 1000 early deaths each year in Wales.
"Vehicle pollution is a major factor so we once again need to question the viability of the proposed M4 relief road. Wales needs to be using the full force of our new law, the Well-Being of Future Generations Act, to ensure that current proposals are effectively scrutinised and air pollution goals are met.
Pudner is also pushing for Local Authorities to take responsibility for effective measurement of air pollution levels. She said:
"In addition, the Welsh Government needs to provide ring fenced funding to Local Authorities to be able to implement measures to reduce air pollution.
"Local authorities are obliged to assess air quality and to take action to ensure that air pollution levels are as low as possible. Disappointingly, this is not happening in many areas of Wales, and we have five towns which significantly exceed EU levels. Local Councils must take this issue seriously, and do all they can to protect the quality of air and therefore our health. Providing safe and effective walking, cycling and public transport routes would be part of the solution.
"Green Party groups across Wales are taking grassroots action on this issue, because protecting our planet and our health is our priority."
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Wales Green Party responds to air pollution judgement
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