Air quality in Pembrokeshire is ‘relatively good’ but there are two areas already suffering a “canyon effect” of high emissions.

Both commercial main streets in Haverfordwest and Pembroke are already recognised as ‘Air Quality Management Areas’ with traffic the main contributor to poor air quality .

High concentrations of nitrogen dioxide are found in the areas where there are high sided buildings on either side of narrow roads – known as the canyon effect – resulting in low dispersion of air.

Cabinet members are due to discuss air quality in the county including ways it could be improved across the board and in ‘hotspots’.

It includes annual car free days, changing the council fleet where possible to electric/hybrid vehicles, improving and providing electrical charging points across Pembrokeshire and implementation of better traffic management schemes.

A focus on schools is highlighted in terms of educating both children and parents with engagement projects and ‘anti-idling’ operations.

Testing of air quality is carried out at a range of locations using “passive diffusion tubes, active samplers and real-time automatic analysers”.

Further proposals for managing air quality will be considered once the upcoming new guidance from Welsh Government is published.

Cabinet will consider the latest report from the Director of Development on the county’s air quality at its meeting on April 16, 10am at County Hall.