Janet Finch-Saunders, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Bangor Conwy Môn and former Welsh Conservatives Shadow Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, opposed the introduction of a ban and increased fine for drivers in Wales who leave their vehicle engine running while parked.
During Stage 3 of the Environment (Air Quality and Soundscapes) (Wales) Bill, Janet said:
“Anti-idling measures will be very hard to implement. They should only be a matter of last resort after every other option for improving air quality has been pursued. We need to make it very clear that these benches (Welsh Conservatives benches) do not support any further charges to our motorists, who, themselves, are facing a very tough time at the moment.”
Following the introduction of the ban and increase in the fine from £20 to £150, which was supported by the former Welsh Labour Government and Plaid Cymru, Janet commented:
“Many of our motorists are already feeling the pinch at the petrol stations, the impacts of anti-motorist policies, and now this ban and increased fine for idling. For many residents in my constituency of Bangor Conwy Môn, and across Wales, driving is not a luxury; it is a necessity.
“We should be supporting our drivers and working to develop healthy alternatives.”
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
