Agenda item

The Committee considered an air quality update report which was included onto the Committee’s Forward Work Plan at the request of the Committee as it was a subject of ongoing concern and a priority for the people of Carmarthenshire and beyond. 

The report, presented by the Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, contained the work undertaken in respect of Air Quality in Carmarthenshire which currently had three Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) - Llandeilo, Carmarthen and Llanelli. This update reported information in regard to the Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) monitoring across Carmarthenshire with results compared to previous years. An update on the progress with the Air Quality Delivery Plan was also included.

The following questions/issues were raised on the report:-

·       Reference was made to the information provided regarding the air quality at Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo which signified very high levels of NO₂.  It was commented that the air quality in Llandeilo had been a concern for some 20+ years with the issue only worsening year on year. The evidence showed that the NO₂ levels were twice over the legal limit. It emphasised that the only solution to improve the poor air quality in Llandeilo would be to develop a by-pass. 

In response to a query raised regarding a review on development of the Llandeilo by-pass, the Cabinet Member Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability acknowledged that whilst the figures denoted averages for particular times of the day, the figures could also be much higher at other times of the day and year.  In addition, it was acknowledged that a by-pass was much needed not only to improve the air quality but to also provide better road safety.  The Head of Transportation and Highways advised Members that the road through Llandeilo was the main Swansea to Manchester Trunk road. The road had recently gone through the Wales Transport Appraisal Guidance (WelTag) the outcome of which would then undergo further consultation.  This stage would determine the final list of schemes for consideration.

The Cabinet Member for Transport, Waste and Infrastructure Services reported that in his capacity as a local member for Llandeilo he had written several times to the Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters MS on this matter to no avail.  However, he reported that as Cabinet Member, he had recently written to the Minister and was pleased to announce that a virtual meeting had been arranged for Monday, 28^th November between the Leader of the Council and the Deputy Minister for Climate Change and the subject of Llandeilo by-pass was on the agenda.  In light of the information regarding the arranged meeting, it was proposed that an e-mail be sent to the Deputy Minister for Climate Change on behalf of the Committee in support of the Llandeilo by-pass.  This was duly seconded.

·       It was commented that the new legislation in regard to introducing 20mph speed limit on residential roads and busy pedestrian streets could also have a positive impact on air quality.  The Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability stated that currently there was little evidence to prove either way however, the probability of vehicles travelling at a slower speed was likely to have a positive impact.  The Highways and Transportation Services Manager added that the introduction of the 20mph speed limits would make the roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and that the modal shift would benefit the environment and promote a healthy society.

·       It was commented that in general, people were reluctant to give up their cars as the public transport was not a convenient mode of transport.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that an e-mail be sent from the Scrutiny Committee to the Deputy Minister for Climate Change to convey the Committees strong support for the development of the Llandeilo by-pass which would improve air quality in and around Llandeilo.