Air quality

Over the last few decades, air quality in the UK has improved. This is due to:

• regulating emissions from industrial processes
• tightening of emissions and fuel standards for road vehicles
• controlling smoke from domestic premises

However, air pollution still harms human health and the environment. On average, it is currently estimated to reduce life expectancy by 8 months. 

The UK Air Quality Strategy commits local authorities to achieving several air quality objectives. 

The Environment Act 1995 requires local authorities to periodically review and assess air quality in their areas. This is to decide whether national air quality objectives (as set by the UK Air Quality Strategy) are being met.

Anti-idling

Switching off engines when parked ('anti-idling') is a simple way of improving air quality. Idling often occurs near schools, which can damage children’s health.

The following resources can be used by schools or communities to promote anti-idling.

• Read our anti-idling leaflet
• View our anti-idling poster
• View our anti-idling banner
• View our anti-idling car sticker

Monitoring and reporting

Local councils have to regularly assess or monitor air quality. This is to help identify any areas that are high in pollutants.

An identified area is called an Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA). An action plan is put in place to try and reduce the pollution in the area.

• 2019 Air Quality Annual Status Report for Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
• Diffusion tube data summary 2018
• 2018 Air Quality Annual Status Report for Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
• Diffusion tube data summary 2017
• Diffusion tube data summary 2016
• 2016 Air Quality Annual Status Report for Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council
• 2015 Air Quality Updating and Screening Assessment for Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council

Cross Street, Sudbury – Air Quality Management Area

Babergh District Council has designated part of Cross Street in Sudbury as an AQMA. This is because nitrogen dioxide levels are above the annual average air quality objective.

We have produced an Air Quality Action Plan which addresses a specific air quality problem on certain parts of Cross Street. 

The Action Plan has been produced in partnership with Suffolk County Council's transport department and other relevant agencies.  It has been approved by the government’s air quality experts.

The Action Plan was produced following extensive studies of the area, the reports for which can be viewed below:

• Further Assessment of Air Quality in the Cross Street AQMA - Babergh District Council (June 2010)
• Detailed Assessment Report, Air Quality in Cross Street and Ballingdon Street, Sudbury (May 2008)

Simple ways to improve air quality 

There are many things that you can personally do to help improve air quality and reduce air pollution.  These include:

1. Use your car less.  Try to walk, cycle or use public transport.  Cars are more polluting over short journeys, so aim to reduce these too. 
2. Reduce emissions from your car by ensuring it is regularly serviced and well maintained. Only carry the weight you need and drive in a gentle, steady way.
3. Consider purchasing an electric vehicle.
4. If buying a traditional fuel vehicle, consider the most fuel-efficient petrol vehicle. Use cleaner alternative fuels where possible.
5. Car share to reduce emissions and save money. Visit Suffolk Car Share's website
6. Avoid having bonfires. If you do have a fire, only burn dry garden waste. Avoid burning on days that already have high pollution levels.
7. Avoid burning solid fuel. If you do burn solid fuel, make sure the appliance is well maintained and fuel is clean and dry.