East Suffolk renews air quality strategy with plans to reduce pollution
New measures aim to tackle emissions of nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter
East Suffolk Council has adopted an updated strategy aimed at improving air quality across the district through a series of proactive measures and action plans.
The renewed Air Quality Strategy builds on public consultation carried out in spring and updates the council's priorities in line with new Government guidance and legislation, as well as health data tailored specifically to East Suffolk.
Focus on reducing emissions
The strategy outlines efforts to reduce emissions of three key air pollutants: nitrogen dioxide, PM10, and PM2.5, which are small particulate matter known to impact health.
The previous Air Quality Strategy was introduced in 2021 when East Suffolk's last remaining Air Quality Management Areas in Woodbridge and Stratford St Andrew were revoked following sustained improvements. Consecutive years saw nitrogen dioxide concentrations fall below Government objective levels, prompting the council to adopt new plans for maintaining and further improving air quality.
Public consultation and workshops with key stakeholders, including teams within East Suffolk Council and Suffolk County Council, informed the strategy's design.
Cllr Sally Noble, East Suffolk Council cabinet member for the Environment, said: “The whole strategy has been simplified and restructured to make it clearer and easier to read for the public and stakeholders.
“It shows just what has been achieved since the 2021 strategy was published and provides an action plan of measures to help further reduce emissions.
“The strategy will be updated as projects develop, and in the light of any new information, and progress on the action plan measures will be reported annually in an Air Quality Annual Status Report to Defra.”
Resources for tackling pollution
East Suffolk Council’s Air Quality webpage offers guidance on reducing emissions and tackling pollution. The East Suffolk Greenprint Forum plays a key role in linking public organisations, voluntary groups, and community organisations to share skills and experiences, as well as encouraging local environmental action.