The Labour-led Welsh Government wants to further clamp down on drivers.
It has published a long awaited anti-air pollution proposal which would see heavily polluting vehicles paying to use some of Wales’ busiest roads under a new law.
The Welsh government said it would only happen if 50mph zones fail to reduce emissions. Sections of the M4 near Newport and the A470 at Pontypridd have been considered as potential clean air zones if lower speed limits do not work.
Similar 50mph limits are on the M4 around Port Talbot, and on the A483 at Wrexham.
The Welsh Conservatives said it was the last thing people struggling with the rising cost of living needed to hear.
The charging powers are contained in a long-awaited law on air pollution. Entitled the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) Bill, it paves the way towards new national targets on cutting pollution.
Other plans include steeper fines for drivers who leave their car engines idling, especially when parked outside schools.
The bill has been welcomed by environmental campaigners. Joseph Carter, of Asthma and Lung UK, said in a statement, “Air pollution is one of the most pressing public health issues we face, and it is especially damaging to our children’s developing lungs.”
Friends of the Earth Cymru director Haf Elgar went on, “Air pollution is not only a public health issue, but also a social justice issue and an environmental issue.”
The legislation was welcomed overall by Plaid Cymru, who said it was long overdue.
Commenting on the road charging Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, Natasha Asghar MS (above), said, “The Labour Government is all stick and no carrot when it comes to their transport policy.
“First, they cancel new roads, then they cut support for buses and now they’re following through with their plans to punish drivers by charging people for driving. People are already struggling with the cost of living and this is the last thing they need right now.
“It’s fine for the Transport Minister to push people to use public transport, whilst he drives to and from his constituency, but anyone who uses the trains in Wales knows they are unreliable.
“Wales needs a transport plan that takes into account the needs of people and encourages use of public transport not constantly penalising drivers.”