Elevated levels of nitrogen dioxide along a busy stretch of the A12 are set to be investigated by environment chiefs.

Suffolk Coastal District Council’s latest report on air quality has just received Government backing.

The overall picture appears good but there are three locations of concern – two of which in Woodbridge and Felixstowe have already been declared Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs).

However a new area along the A12 at Stratford St Andrew has also been identified, prompting bosses to carry out more robust monitoring.

Andrew Nunn, cabinet member for the green environment, said: “The problem in all three areas relates to the pollutant nitrogen dioxide, which can adversely affect people’s health, particularly the respiratory system.

“The good news is that our monitoring reveals that the nitrogen dioxide levels within both the AQMAs have reduced slightly. But they are still either at or above the acceptable levels set by government, so this work needs to continue.”

The AQMA in Woodbridge is on Melton Hill, in the area of the traffic lights by the Red Lion pub. A new computerised system for the traffic lights has been in place since July 2011, reducing congestion.

Other measures are also being looked at in a bid to reduce emissions.

The AQMA in Felixstowe is on Ferry Lane, at the Dooley Inn pub near the Dock Gate Two roundabout. An action plan for this area has been finalised and contains 13 measures.

The report also gives details about monitoring of nitrogen dioxide that was undertaken at a number of sites along the A12.

Elevated levels were found at Stratford St Andrew and more robust examination was carried out in 2012. The findings are being collated and will be presented later this year.

The council now wants people’s views on the air quality report. Visit http://tinyurl.com/lch5ma9 or the council offices at Melton Hill in Woodbridge to see a paper copy.

Comments should be sent to environment@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk or the authority’s environmental protection department by August 12.