The Welsh government has declared that no new roads will be built in Wales, as part of a plan to reduce pollution in the country, and reach net zero emissions by 2050. The budget will instead be directed towards upgrading the transport network in other ways, such as creating new cycle and bus lanes, and other infrastructure for sustainable travel.
So what
This step could herald a shift away from the dominance of the car.
Sophie Howe, the future generations commissioner for Wales, welcomed the decision: “Wales has for too long been prioritising cars over people. I’m hopeful that this new decision signals more of the radical action that will be taken by the Welsh government’s new climate change ministry. An overreliance on the car has led to increased noise, poorer air quality, time wasted in traffic and an unacceptable burden on communities living near our most congested roads, often in areas where fewer people drive a car.”
Could other countries follow Wales’ lead?
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