Jurisdiction: Wales
Commencement: 29th July 2025
Amends: Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024
Mini Summary
Under the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Act 2024 Welsh Ministers may set and publish information on long-term targets in respect of any matter relating to air quality and soundscapes in Wales; there are also duties for local authorities but no duties for businesses.
Duties
Local authorities in Wales must now conduct an air quality review every calendar year in accordance with duties under The Environment Act 1995 – Part IV National Air Quality Strategy. They must also promote active travel* as a means of reducing air pollution.
* Active travel includes all physical modes of transportation such as walking and cycling.
There are no duties for businesses; duties are held by the Welsh Ministers and local authorities.
Amendment
- section 16 (local authority air quality reviews);
- section 17 (action plans in relation to air quality management areas);
- section 18 (Welsh Ministers’ powers of direction);
- section 19 (regulation of smoke and fuel in smoke control areas);
- section 20 (guidance for local authorities in relation to smoke control areas); and
- section 21 (further provision relating to smoke control).