PLANS to introduce air quality monitoring at three additional locations in Carmarthen were welcomed by local councillors.
A report into focussing on a recent public consultation into air quality in the town was introduced by Cllr Jim Jones, the Executive Board Member for the environment and public protection.
Cllr Jones announced that, following the consultation, it had been decided to monitor air quality at College Road, the Old St Clears Road, and Llansteffan Road.
The report recommended that an Order be issued designating the boundary of an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for the town, incorporating much of the shopping area and outlying main roads.
It was also proposed that a ‘Steering Group made up of all relevant stakeholders’ should be established to help develop an action plan, and that this action plan should be ‘in accordance with legislative requirements that pursue the improvement of air quality and the reduction of nitrogen dioxide levels within the AQMA.’
Data shown on the report indicated that over the past few years, nitrogen dioxide levels have dropped in the areas monitored, but in certain places, notably Priory Street, readings of above those set out in the Air Quality Objective.
Cllr Alun Lenny, one of two councillors who represent most of the area covered by the AQMA, said that the raised levels caused him some concern, though he pointed out that they were ‘only slightly’ above the norm.
He also questioned whether more could be done to direct drivers unfamiliar with the area to the bypasses rather than following satnavs through the town.
Other areas suggested where improvement could besought were the creation of another park and ride for those approaching the town from the east, and the creation of initiatives to encourage car-sharing among those who worked in the town.
Labour leader Cllr Jeff Edmunds asked if it was possible for the council to be more welcoming to the use of electric vehicles by providing charging points in their car parks, as has been done in Cornwall.
Mark James said that while the council used a fleet of around 6-8 electric vehicles based out of Parc Myrddin, no charging facilities had as yet been made available to the public, although this was something which should be looked into.
Options for the future development of additional park and ride schemes were also discussed, with reference made to a parcel of land owned by the Gwili Railway. Mr James added that the council was in discussions with the health board concerning parking around Glangwili Hospital, which he described as ‘completely unacceptable’.
One solution he suggested could be investigated was suggesting to the health board that hospital staff use the existing park and ride facilities to avoid ‘clogging up’ the car parking around the hospital, thus freeing it up for patients.
Cllr Hazel Evans, the Executive Board Member for transport confirmed that talks with the health board were under way. She also advised that park and ride facilities should be promoted for those visiting Carmarthen from the west.
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