Summary and Background
2.The aim of the Act is to improve the quality of our air environment and reduce the impacts of airborne pollution on human health, nature, the environment and our economy.
3.The Act creates a framework for the Welsh Ministers to set targets in relation to air quality in Wales and amends existing air quality legislation in relation to local air quality management, road user charging, anti-idling and smoke control. The Act creates new duties for the Welsh Ministers to take steps to promote awareness of the risks to human health and the natural environment caused by air pollution and ways of reducing or limiting air pollution. The Act also places Welsh Ministers and local authorities under a duty to promote active travel as a way of reducing or limiting air pollution and makes provision for this duty to be imposed, by regulations, on other public authorities. The Act also includes provisions related to noise and soundscapes, requiring Ministers to produce a national strategy on soundscapes.
4.The Act comprises 31 sections and two Schedules.