Last air quality management area in East Suffolk removed as air quality improves

A district’s last area where air pollution levels were monitored has been removed following significant improvements in the air quality.

An Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) at four properties on the A12 in Stratford St Andrew was established in 2014 after high levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) were detected.

Local authorities must monitor air quality and declare an AQMA with a plan to reduce pollution if national standards are not met

Studies found that southbound traffic speeding up before the end of the 30mph limit in Stratford St Andrew caused increased emissions.

In 2017, Suffolk County Council moved the speed limit further south, reducing NO2 levels below national targets with continued yearly improvements.

Following this, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) requested the AQMA to be revoked.

A 2024 assessment reviewed historical data, future NO2 projections and factors like local infrastructure projects, including Sizewell C and the East Anglia offshore windfarms — confirming the AQMA could be removed.

Fiona Quinn, East Suffolk Council’s head of environmental services and port health, said: “Poor air quality negatively affects the health and wellbeing of our residents and so it is great news that the air quality at this location has significantly improved to such an extent that the AQMA is no longer necessary.

“This will not alter our monitoring regime. The council will continue to monitor air quality in Stratford St Andrew and along the A12.

“This is particularly important as the early years works have now started for Sizewell C, construction associated with cabling has begun for the EA3 Offshore Windfarm, and initial surveying work has started for both the EA1N and EA2 offshore windfarms.

“We will be keeping a close eye on NO2 concentrations at this location, and across the district, and working closely with each project individually and cumulatively.

“With the removal of our last AQMA our air quality focus is now able to shift, and we will be updating the East Suffolk Air Quality Strategy to reflect this. We want our residents to help shape the strategy by telling us their air quality priorities and we will be conducting public engagement in early March.”