Wales to introduce more 50mph speed limits

The Welsh Government has warned that, from 4 October, motorists exceeding the 50mph speed limits on some of the most polluted roads in Wales could receive a letter or fine through their doors.

The decision to introduce environmental speed limits to improve air quality levels in five locations across Wales in 2018 was the first of its kind in the UK, demonstrating the Welsh Government’s commitment of putting the environment at the heart of everything it does.

The schemes have already been successful in significantly lowering the levels of nitrogen dioxide in affected areas by up to 47 per cent, helping to protect people from serious illness as well as playing a part in tackling the climate emergency.

Lee Waters, deputy minister for Climate Change, who has a responsibility for Transport said: “We've made significant progress in bringing emissions levels down in recent years, but we now have to go further and faster. We know that slower speed limits are not a popular choice, but we need to do things differently and be bold if we are to stand a chance of tackling climate change.

“It’s clear that the speed restrictions we’ve introduced on our most polluted roads are working – the results speak for themselves – but compliance with these limits is essential if we are to achieve the reductions we need to make in the shortest possible time. We need to act now to make Wales a safe place to live with clean air for everyone.”