Cardiff awarded £21m for air quality improvements

Welsh Environment Minister Lesley Griffiths has awarded Cardiff Council £21 million to implement a series of measures to improve air quality after she approved its revised clean air proposals.

he Welsh Government instructed Cardiff Council in February 2018 to undertake a feasibility study to identify measures to address illegal nitrogen dioxide exceedances in the shortest possible time. Last Summer, Cardiff Council submitted its final Plan, proposing a package of measures including a bus retrofitting programme to lower emissions, city centre transport improvements and an active travel package making it easier for people to walk and cycle in the city centre.

Griffiths has said that Cardiff’s preferred option of non-charging measures is likely to achieve the legal requirement and deliver a marked and sustained reduction in emissions, essentially ruling out the possibility of introducing a charging Clean Air Zone.

She said: “Improving air quality across Wales is a Welsh Government priority.  I am grateful  to Cardiff Council for all of the work they have undertaken during this process and their clear commitment and dedication to delivering a solution to support air quality benefits for the city. We will shortly confirm a funding award to meet the costs of the preferred option, and will continue to work closely with Cardiff Council on the programme of activity to ensure urgent compliance with nitrogen dioxide limit values.”