In a written statement Huw Irranca-Davies MS, deputy first minister and cabinet secretary for climate change and rural affairs, said: “The health effects of air pollution have been extensively researched and are well documented.
“Practical interventions to raise awareness of air pollution sources and mitigating actions can help everyone to reduce their exposure and contributions to air pollution.”
“Our national air quality strategy, the Clean Air Plan for Wales: Healthy Air, Healthy Wales, describes how the Welsh Government is addressing air pollution challenges.”
He said: “I am publishing for consultation a draft Promoting Awareness of Air Pollution Delivery Plan which sets out the actions that we, and our partners, will take to raise awareness of and tackle air pollution.
“We have co-produced the draft Plan with a dedicated delivery group chaired by our clean air champion for Wales, Professor Paul Lewis.
“As part of the delivery plan we intend to develop a communications campaign to inform the public about the impacts of domestic burning on health, the environment and the wider community. Our focus will be on sharing clear, evidence-based information to help people make informed choices.
“We also propose to deliver a range of awareness activity around stationary vehicle engine idling which is an offence that can attract a fixed penalty fine.
“We know that the pollution from this causes harm and is a particular concern outside schools and health settings. So today I am also launching a consultation on proposals to improve the way stationary engine idling is addressed, including the introduction of a penalty range for the existing offence.”
He said: “To support our awareness raising and behaviour change activity we have identified an annual budget of £575,000 over the three-year lifespan of the Delivery Plan. Additional funding is also available through existing grant schemes including our Local Air Quality Management Support Fund, reinforcing our commitment to tackling air pollution at every level.”