FROM the start of next month motorists exceeding new 50mph limits on some of the most polluted roads in Wales could be fined.

The affected roads include the section of the M4 motorway passing Newport

From October 4, motorists exceeding the 50mph speed limits could receive a letter or fine through their doors, the Welsh Government have warned.

According to the Welsh Government, the schemes introduced in 2018 have already been successful in significantly lowering the levels of nitrogen dioxide in affected areas by up to 47 per cent.

Air pollution is considered to be one of the largest environmental health risks of our generation, according to the World Health Organisation, increasing risks of heart and lung disease and contributing towards the worsening of pre-existing health conditions such as asthma.

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Deputy minister for climate change, Lee Waters, who has a responsibility for transport said: “We've made significant progress in bringing emissions levels down in recent years, but we now have to go further and faster.

“We know that slower speed limits are not a popular choice, but we need to do things differently and be bold if we are to stand a chance of tackling climate change.

“It’s clear that the speed restrictions we’ve introduced on our most polluted roads are working - the results speak for themselves – but compliance with these limits is essential if we are to achieve the reductions we need to make in the shortest possible time.”

South Wales Police, Roads Policing Lead for Wales, Assistant Chief Constable, Mark Travis said: “The implementation of the 50mph speed limits is an important issue to tackle pollution and to give Wales and its communities a cleaner and healthier future.

“All four Welsh Forces are supporting its implementation.”