Candidate says tolls on Welsh roads would be a tax on jobs

Jeremy Kent hit out at Welsh Government proposals that could be introduced as part of their Clean Air Bill.

Jeremy said: “I believe in protecting our environment for the future, but we are in the middle of a pandemic. Jobs are being lost, businesses are going under and people are struggling. This is just not the right time to be even thinking about putting tolls on roads like the A483.”

He added: “When we eventually emerge from this crisis we will need to create more jobs, not charge already hard-working people for driving to work.”

Conservative Senedd candidate for Wrexham Jeremy Kent

Conservative Senedd candidate for Wrexham Jeremy Kent

Other measures to be considered as part of the bill – set out by Environment Minister and Wrexham MS Lesley Griffiths last month – include making staff pay to park at work, and fining drivers for keeping engines running when waiting outside shops and schools.

Jeremy said: “Can you imagine the damaging effect these measures would have on Wrexham Industrial Estate – and on local households? And what about the people who regularly travel across the Welsh English border for work?

He added: “Lesley Griffiths might be better focusing on what will be a much needed post-Covid recovery rather than trying to squeeze money out of ordinary people for just doing their jobs, driving their children to school and doing the shopping."

The plan is all part of a move to give local authorities in Wales more powers to charge and fine motorists in an effort to reduce air pollution by reducing the use of cars in favour of public transport.

It was outlined in a White Paper put forward by the Welsh Government setting out its bold plans for a Clean Air (Wales) Bill, which will protect the health of the nation and defend ecosystems from pollutants in our atmosphere, in law.

It is currently estimated poor air quality contributes to a reduced life expectancy and death, tallying an equivalent of between 1,000 and 1,400 deaths in Wales each year.

Launching it, Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said: “Breathing clean air and having access to a healthy environment is a right, not a privilege. We must take decisive and lasting action now to enable our future generations to lead healthy lives.

“Welsh Government’s number one priority remains keeping our communities safe and supporting families and businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“But just like COVID, air pollution disproportionately impacts the most disadvantaged and vulnerable in our society. We know from the report published today that the situation is not straight forward. I welcome views from the public, academics, charities and businesses alike, to help us paint a clear picture of how we will improve our air quality and collaboratively build our path to a greener and healthier Wales.”

The White Paper is the next stage in the process of creating a Clean Air (Wales) Act – a key commitment of First Minister Mark Drakeford. Consultation on the White Paper will run until April 7.