Significant drop in nitrogen oxide levels in area near port and homes at Felixstowe

Port of Felixstowe - action has been taken to cut pollution levels in the port and its immediate area.

A pollution blackspot with high levels of fumes that cause potential health problems is set to be given the all-clear after a six-year campaign to improve air quality.

The area round Dock Gate Two on the edge of the Port of Felixstowe and the town’s Cavendish Park housing estate had higher than nationally acceptable levels of nitrogen oxide.

According to health reports, high levels of the gas can impact on respiratory conditions causing inflammation of the airways, while long-term exposure can decrease lung function. 

Now, due to work by Suffolk Coastal environmental health officers and management at the Port of Felixstowe, levels have dropped significantly.

The council says it is confident work taking place and planned means the falling nitrogen oxide levels will continue and the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) order can be withdrawn.

Pollution measurements as far back as 2006 first showed the Ferry Lane and Dooley area at Dock Gate Two roundabout – one of the busiest for lorry traffic in the UK – was above DEFRA guidelines for nitrogen oxide.

Working with officials at Britain’s busiest container port, the council drew up a plan to secure air quality improvements.

Key measures implemented include introduction of a Vehicle Booking System to improve scheduling of HGV traffic delivering/collecting containers, reducing congestion and vehicle idling; and an Environmental Management System at the port.

New “ecoRTGs” (Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes), costing millions of pounds, with smaller and more efficient diesel engines and state-of-the-art hybrid drive technology to reduce emissions by 40%, were also introduced on the port’s quaysides.

More freight has been moved to rail, hauliers have been encouraged to use Dock Gate One, and increasing berth sizes have allowed more of the biggest and efficient ships to visit. 

Latest measurements show a reduction in nitrogen oxide in the AQMA area of up to 16% while inside the port pollution levels have reduced by 26%.

Carol Poulter, cabinet member for the green environment, said European Union targets for air pollution had proved a “challenging target” with several councils faced with difficulties in meeting deadlines, leading to the possibility of the UK government facing legal action in the European Court.

She said: “Against this background, the fact that we are in a position to revoke this AQMA is to be enthusiastically welcomed.

“We must acknowledge the enthusiastic support and commitment of the Port of Felixstowe to achieving sustainable improvements in air quality in the vicinity of this AQMA.”