A GWENT MP has called on Prime Minister Theresa May to take action over the the Islwyn road which is the most polluted street in the UK outside London.

The pollution levels at the A472 Hafodyrynys Road, Crumlin, were revealed in a UK Government report last year.

And, speaking in Parliament during Prime Minister’s Questions last week, Islwyn’s Chris Evans called the issue “an absolute disgrace”.

“Air and road pollution, brought about mainly by diesel engines, causes 40,000 early deaths in this country, while also causing severe lung diseases such as bronchitis and asthma among young people and children,” he said.

“Hafodyrynys Road in Crumlin, which is in my constituency, is the most polluted road in the United Kingdom outside London.

“It is an absolute disgrace.”

Calling on Theresa May to take action over the issue, the Labour MP added: “Most of the pollution is caused by heavy goods vehicles such as lorries and trucks, which travel along the road spewing out noxious gases on to residents.

“Will the Prime Minister commit herself to ensuring that hauliers will start using newer diesel engines, cleaner technology and cleaner energy, so that everyone, including young people, can enjoy a better quality of life, especially on Hafodyrynys Road?”

Mrs May praised Mr Evans for speaking out over the issue, saying: “The honourable gentleman speaks up well for his constituents.”

“We all recognise the problems relating to air quality,” she said.

“The government will present further proposals, but some changes have already taken place.

“We have invested in green transport initiatives, and plans to introduce clean zones around the country will help to tackle the problem.

“In fact, we have been at the forefront of action in Europe in dealing with some aspects of it.

“However, I accept that there is more to be done, and, as I have said, we will present further proposals in due course.”

An estimated 78 people live in Hafodyrynys Road and are exposed to the high pollution levels, thought to be caused by high levels of traffic, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours.