Bridgend Council’s Cabinet is set to decide whether or not to proceed with further proposals to deal with high levels of air pollution along Park Street in Bridgend (pdf).
Normally, a local authority has 18 months to submit proposals to deal with air pollution – first identified in 2018-2019. However, deadlines have been extended in this case due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Three measures were put forward to address the issue:
- Install a right-hand turn lane into Heol-y-Nant from Park Street – this was delivered as part of the housing development at the former Ysgol Bryn Castell.
- Make improvements to the Park Street/Angel Street junction – the traffic light system was upgraded as part of routine maintenance in 2022.
- Make St Leonard’s Road no entry from Park Street.
Modelling undertaken during 2023 shows that even if BCBC decides to take no further action, levels of nitrogen dioxide are expected to fall below the legal limit before 2026.
Officers recommend delaying the proposed implementation of a “no entry” regulation on St Leonard’s Road until at least 2027. This is because the predicted air pollution levels are expected to decrease by that time, which would allow the air quality management order to be revoked.
The cost of a new traffic order is also expected to be £8,000 and if there are any objections, a lengthy appeals process is needed. South Wales Police also only supports a complete closure of St. Leonard’s Road due to “except for access” enforcement issues.
