WQ92122 (e) Tabled on 15/03/2024

Will the Minister consider reviewing the speed limits in place to reduce pollution on the Welsh Government's strategic road network, following National Highways's decision to increase speed limits on the M1 and M6 to 70mph after finding it was unlikely pollution would exceed the legal limit if restrictions were removed?

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for North Wales and Transport | Answered on 27/03/2024

We are enforcing reduced 50mph environmental speed limits at five locations on the motorway and trunk road network to help meet statutory nitrogen dioxide (NO2) limits. The measures implemented have seen year on year benefits to lowering nitrogen dioxide levels at these sites.

There are no immediate plans to review the environmental speed limits on the strategic road network. Air quality monitoring is ongoing to ensure we continue to take the most appropriate action to meet our statutory obligations on NO2 limits.