ACTION must be taken to tackle pollution in Islwyn and across the UK, the area’s MP has said.

Chris Evans led a debate on diesel pollution in his constituency in Parliament on Wednesday, after the A472 Hafodyrynys Road in Crumlin was last year revealed to be the most polluted road in the UK outside London.

A study by the Royal Colleges of Physicians and of Paediatrics and Child Health has also shown air pollution kills up to 40,000 people in the UK a year.

Opening the debate, Labour MP Mr Evans said he believed the situation across the UK was “spiralling out of control”.

“Hafodyrynys Road is a key cross-valley route between Pontypool in the west and Caerphilly in the east,” he added.

“Every day the road is heavily congested with traffic, with diesel-reliant heavy goods vehicles frequently passing through.

“Diesel engines are no doubt very popular. When arguing for higher taxes on diesel cars, we have to be concerned that this may hit hard-working families who simply cannot afford to change their car.”

He added: “If I speak to someone on one of these roads the number one issue is the diesel fumes coming from it and the effect that is having on their children.

“There needs to be real political will and a sense of urgency from the government about this.

“It is no good using delaying tactics, this is happening now.”

Mr Evans said encouraging people to walk or use public transport, as well as increasing tax on diesel vehicles, “are not enough to reduce the fumes”.

“It is not just the public’s health that is at stake,” he said.

“Illegal levels of air pollution drive down house prices and can also lead to businesses deciding not to invest in the area.

“What is more, nitrogen dioxide has detrimental effects on the surrounding wildlife.”

Responding, environment minister George Eustice said improving air quality across the UK was “a priority for this government”.

“We are determined to cut emissions to improve the health of the people we all represent and to protect the environment,” he added.

But he also pointed out the environment in Wales is a devolved issue.

Mr Evans also raised concerns that the development of a plan to tackle pollution across the UK was being put on hold until after the General Election.

But this afternoon the High Court blocked an application by UK Government to delay publication of the strategy until then.