A survey conducted by this newspaper has found the majority of readers believe tackling air pollution in Ipswich should be made a priority. 

The results follow the launch of the 'Town CAN' campaign - a collaborative effort conducted by this newspaper, Ipswich Town Football Club and environmental group Ipswich CAN (Clean Air Now) to fight the town's poor air quality.

A poll of our readers has found 63% believe tackling air pollution should be made a priority by authorities - with 69% saying they were aware the town had levels above the national target.

Ipswich Star: The Town CAN campaign was launched earlier this weekThe Town CAN campaign was launched earlier this week (Image: Ipswich Town Football Club)

Given the choice of five options that could be taken to fight the problem, 38% said they would like to see the creation of a bypass to reduce traffic in the town centre. 

A total of 24% said Ipswich's traffic system should be improved to reduce emissions, while just 7% said the implementation of a clean air zone would be a positive solution. 

Of the readers living in areas below national air quality objectives (AQMA zone), a majority of 67% said they were unaware of the problems.

In total, four AQMAs (Air Quality Management Areas) have been declared by Ipswich Borough Council.

These are:

  • An area encompassing the junction of Norwich Road, Chevalier Street and Valley Road in Ipswich.
  • The junction with Peel Street, extending along Crown Street, St Margarets Street and St Helens Street to the junction with Palmerston Road, and from St Margarets Street extending up Woodbridge Road to just beyond the junction with Argyle Street.
  • An area encompassing the junction Grimwade Street with St Helens Street, the Starr Lane gyratory system including Fore Street, Salthouse Street, Key Street, College Street, Bridge Street, Foundation Street, Slade Street, Neptune square and Grimwade Street.
  • An area incorporating the land in or around St. Matthews Street / Norwich Road between the Civic Drive roundabout and Bramford Road.

Ipswich Star: Four AQMA zones have been put in place by Ipswich Borough CouncilFour AQMA zones have been put in place by Ipswich Borough Council (Image: Gregg Brown)

This occurs when a local authority believes there are areas where national air quality objectives are not likely to be achieved by relevant deadlines - objectives put in place to protect people's health and the environment.

The latest update from Suffolk County Council has been the announcement of proposals to publish a new strategy and action plan to tackle air pollution in Ipswich. 

What are your thoughts on tackling air pollution in our town? Get in touch and let us know.