Two Assembly Members have called on the Welsh Government to address recent problems around a heavily polluted road in Caerphilly County Borough.
Assembly Member for Islwyn, Rhianon Passmore, and Plaid Cymru’s South Wales East AM, Steffan Lewis, have both spoken in the Senedd seeking assurances that action is being taken to rectify the pollution levels.
Mr Lewis said: “Pollution levels on the A472 in Crumlin are the highest in the UK outside London. This is more than a transport issue, this is a public health issue.
“The government and local authorities have a duty to protect people’s health and wellbeing, but sadly, we have not yet seen a comprehensive plan to produce improvements for the residents affected.
“In the short term, I urge Welsh Government to ensure that all buses using the route through Crumlin are either low emission or electric buses and explore the possibility of hauliers being supported to upgrade to low emission or electric vehicles.
“In the longer-term, I ask that the government consider the introduction of Low Emission Zones – along the London model – in areas of high pollution, starting with a pilot at Crumlin.
“I understand that residents in Crumlin are concerned about the high pollution levels they face and want to find solutions. The government has a responsibility to protect their health.”
Labour’s Islwyn AM, Rhianon Passmore, echoed the need to consider adverse health effects, as she questioned Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, on Wednesday June 22.
She said: “The nitrogen dioxide levels are exceeded in England only by a similar monitor on Marylebone Road in central London, and according to Asthma UK Cymru, 314,000 people have asthma in Wales, including 59,000 children: almost one child in 10.
“A report from NHS Wales and the Welsh Government, published in 2015, said the percentage of patients registered with their GP for asthma and COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was greater than in England, and there had been a slight increase in recent years.
“What urgent action can the Welsh Government take to work with Caerphilly County Borough Council and other stakeholders to lift the scourge of air pollution?”
Ms Griffiths responded, saying: “My officials have sought assurances from Caerphilly County Borough Council in relation to the A472 air quality management area near Crumlin that you mention, concerning what action they’re going to take to improve the local air quality.
“The council are planning a steering group meeting, which you’re probably aware of next month, and they’re going to get input from local groups and local residents, which I think is really important.
“They’re then going to have an air quality action plan developed. That will also include a list of traffic management options for the area to measure the air quality in the area.
“The council has given us an initial date of November for when this will be implemented, but I’ve asked officials to monitor that very carefully to make sure they do keep to that timeline.”
The council’s proposed air quality action plan could be published for consultation by the beginning of next year, according to a report presented to the Health Social Care And Wellbeing Committee.
The report follows calls from Cllr Andrew Lewis, Labour member for the Crumlin ward, for immediate action to be taken at a wide debate on the issue at full council.