50mph speed limit to lower nitrogen dioxide on part of Wrexham bypass starts next week

A temporary speed limit will be introduced on a stretch of the A483 from next week in a bid to reduce levels of nitrogen dioxide.

The 50mph speed limit between Mold Road ‘B&Q’ roundabout and Gresford will come into force on Monday 18th June.

It comes as a result of Welsh Government action to try and reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions on some of the busiest stretches of roads across Wales by 18 per cent.

The temporary 50 mph speed limits will be introduced at short stretches of road, at the following 5 locations:

A494 at Deeside
A483 at Wrexham
M4 between junctions 41 & 42 (P Talbot)
M4 between junctions 25 & 26 (Newport)
A470 between Upper Boat & Ppridd

— Hannah Blythyn (@wgmin_enviro) June 14, 2018

Earlier this year it was announced that the temporary 50mph speed limits would be introduced at five locations where levels are currently above legal limits of nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Such locations include the A483 in Wrexham, the A494 at Deeside, M4 between junctions 41 & 42 (Port Talbot), M4 between junctions 25 & 26 (Newport) and the A470 between Upper Boat & Pontypridd.

Other measures announced by the Welsh Government’s Minister for Environment, Hannah Blythen, earlier this year included a £20m fund to reduce emissions and improve the environment in Wales.

The Air Quality Fund, which will run until 2021, will ‘support’ local authorities to comply with nitrogen dioxide limits and improve air quality in their areas.

When we first announced this scheme was being implemented back in April one of the main criticisms revolved around the inefficiencies of people braking down from 70 (or more!) to 50, and then using more emissions creating acceleration after the 50 zone ends. In the public documentation of the scheme there is no indication on if that is being measured, or if it has been taken into account.