During national Clean Air Day (18 June) Ipswich Borough Council will be working with local businesses along St Matthews Street and Norwich Road to help improve air quality in one of the town’s designated Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs).
Council officers will be speaking directly with businesses to raise awareness of air pollution, particularly around vehicle idling, and to remind drivers about existing loading restrictions in the area.
Parking Services officers will also be supporting the activity, undertaking patrols to reinforce the loading restrictions and take enforcement action where unauthorised parking is identified.
AQMAs are locations where pollution levels are higher than recommended, and where targeted action is needed to protect public health. The activity supports the Council’s Air Quality Action Plan, which sets out measures to reduce emissions and improve air quality across Ipswich.
These include:
- Encouraging the proper use of designated parking and loading areas, and tackling unauthorised on-street parking
- Reviewing traffic management along the St Matthews Street/Norwich Road corridor to maintain delivery access while reducing congestion
The event will also offer an opportunity to gather data and better understand the challenges faced by businesses, helping to inform future improvements.
Councillor George Lankester, Ipswich Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Communities said: "Air pollution is the biggest environmental risk to our health.
“Last year the Council was able to remove one of its Air Quality Management Areas due to a marked improvement in air quality. We would like to keep building on this great work.
"To do this we will be working with local businesses and drivers to reduce congestion, improve air quality and create a healthier environmental to live in here in Ipswich."
This work supports national Clean Air Day, which raises awareness of the impact of air pollution and encourages positive action. Reducing harmful emissions can deliver immediate health benefits, helping people live longer, healthier lives.