Air pollution could be reduced by M4 speed cut

Whether or not a speed cut on the M4 could reduce the amount of air pollution in the area is currently being investigated by the Welsh government.

The investigation is being carried out to ensure that Wales is in keeping with the European Unions 2020 emissions targets.

Simply put, the EU wants a 20 per cent reduction in EU greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels; a 20 per cent increase in the amount of energy used from renewable sources and an overall 20 per cent improvement in the EU's energy efficiency.

Although air quality is actually better now than it has been for years in the Neath Port area, the local council, Welsh government and Environment Agency still want to do what they can to ensure that air pollution is as limited as possible.

As road traffic is thought to contribute around 70 per cent of Europe's air pollution, it's certainly a good idea for the council to look into further improvements on the motorway.

Head of planning Geoff White said: "Since 2006 the direction of travel is that the air quality has been improving. Last year we had 11 occasions when the limit was exceeded, which is the best we have had for some considerable years. It's still 11 too many but it is moving in the right direction."

Potential measures are being discussed, such as the possibility of shutting motorway slip roads.

In addition, some have proposed introducing average speed cameras across the motorway. This should prohibit drivers speeding, which not only puts them and other motorists at risk, but it also contributes heavily to air pollution.

This is not the first time that this has been proposed, however.

Indeed, a consultation was expected last year, but it was delayed.

Council climate change manager Geoff Marquis said: "The question was asked at some stage whether those proposals would improve air quality so the Welsh government is looking at that."