Greater Manchester is holding two major public consultations to get a wide range of views on key elements of the biggest Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in the UK outside London.
The government has instructed Greater Manchester, covering all 10 local authority areas, to introduce a Category C CAZ, this means that Vans, buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, minibuses and heavy goods vehicles that do not meet certain emissions standards will have to pay a daily charge to drive in the Zone.
The Zone would operate 24/7 and follow as closely as possible the administrative boundary of Greater Manchester. It includes local roads but not motorways, or major trunk roads, which Highways England is responsible for.
Lockdown saw huge improvements to air quality across Manchester, however, since restrictions have been eased air pollution has already quickly returned, with many sites now above the legal limits.
People from across the region and beyond will be encouraged to have their say on Greater Manchester’s plans through the consultations, which will run until Thursday 3rd December 2020.
The government has already committed £41m to support Greater Manchester businesses, sole traders and the voluntary sector to help upgrade to cleaner commercial vehicles ahead of the CAZ being introduced.
Cllr Andrew Western, Green City-region lead, said: “Greater Manchester needs to take action to improve air quality, now and for future generations.
“As air pollution does not respect geographic boundaries, the ten Greater Manchester local authorities have come together to produce a joint plan.
“As part of the work around implementing the Clean Air Plan, we have also secured funding that will help some locally licensed owners in renewing or upgrading their vehicles – with the aim to have an entirely zero-emission taxi and private hire fleet across the city region by the end of the decade.”
To have your say on the proposed boundary and operating hours, click here
If you would like to discuss directly please contact John Woods at john.woods@sthelenschamber.com or call 01744 742058
