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Air pollution drops 15% outside Ipswich school after traffic ban

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We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

A scheme to restrict traffic outside an Ipswich primary school has led to a significant drop in harmful air pollution, alongside other benefits for pupils and local residents.

Why it matters: Poor air quality and traffic congestion around schools have become increasing concerns for parents and educators. This successful trial at Ranelagh Primary School could pave the way for similar schemes across Suffolk.

The big picture: The initiative, known as a 'School Streets' scheme, bans vehicles from Paul's Road during drop-off and pick-up times, except for residents, staff, and emergency services. The restrictions run between 08:15 and 09:00, and 14:45 and 15:30 on school days.

Ranelagh Primary School in Ipswich
A scheme to restrict traffic outside Ranelagh Primary School has led to a significant drop in harmful air pollution, alongside other benefits for pupils and local residentsOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

By the numbers:

  • Harmful particulate matter from exhaust fumes dropped by 10-15%

  • 85% of pupils say the road is now safer

  • 35% increase in walking, cycling or scooting to school

  • 96% of school staff support the scheme

  • 85% of parents want it to continue

What they're saying: "It has made a real difference with families being able to walk to school safely," says Ranelagh Primary head teacher Nicky Ling. "Families now have space to walk on the pavement without the fear of cars mounting the pavements to park or get by."

Between the lines: Before the scheme began in January 2024, the narrow street suffered from heavy congestion, poor air quality, and frequent traffic disputes. School staff regularly reported receiving verbal abuse from drivers during busy periods.

What's next: Suffolk County Council plans to use Ranelagh Primary as a case study for other areas experiencing similar school traffic issues. The road has now been permanently closed to traffic entering from London Road.

The bottom line: The scheme's success demonstrates how targeted traffic restrictions can improve both safety and air quality around schools while encouraging more sustainable travel habits.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Council slaps car park users with £100 fines despite publicly acknowledging payment machines were down

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Motorists have been hit with £100 parking fines at Duke Street car park despite Ipserv, which is owned by the council, publicly acknowledging payment machines were out of order.

Why it matters: Ipserv, the commercial arm of Ipswich Borough Council, has been issuing penalty charges to drivers unable to pay at Ipswich's largest Waterfront car park, where machines have been malfunctioning intermittently since late January.

A broken payment machine at Duke Street car park in Ipswich
A broken payment machine at Duke Street car park in IpswichOliver Rouane-WilliamsIpswich.co.uk

The details: The payment terminals had been experiencing problems throughout January, with all machines reported out of service on 31 January.

What they said: An Ipserv spokesperson previously stated: "Unfortunately, there is an intermittent issue with the machine at Duke Street Car Park (21851), which our engineers are actively investigating.

"While we work to resolve the problem, we kindly ask customers to use the RingGo app for payment or call RingGo Customer Services on 020 3046 0010 for assistance."

Yes, but: Many visitors are unable to pay via the RingGo app, and those who typically tap to pay with their smartphones often do not carry payment cards with them, making it impossible to pay by telephone.

A scenario seemingly overlooked by Ipserv.

What they're saying now: We approached Ipserv for comment and asked them if they would be proactively reaching out to users issued with fines despite not being able to pay. They issued the following response:

“We acknowledge that there were intermittent technical difficulties with the payment machines on the 31st January 2025. However, we wish to stress that alternative payment methods were available, users could pay via a mobile app or by contacting RingGo’s customer service on the number provided on the side of the payment machine. While we regret any inconvenience caused, these options were in place to ensure customers had a means to pay.

"The availability of alternative options of payment means that simply citing the technical issue will not, on its own, automatically cancel a parking charge notice. As an approved contractor with the British Parking Association, we are committed to correcting any errors in a fair and timely manner and will review any appeals in accordance with the recognised code of conduct.”

The bottom line: Despite publicly acknowledging these "machine issues", the council-owned company has proceeded to issue £100 fines to motorists who had no means of paying. Affected motorists are encouraged to appeal the decision.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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