The launch of the Manchester clean air zone has officially been delayed, as a ‘fairer’ solution needs to be identified…
Manchester Clean Air Zone Delayed
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), along with the government, has announced that it’s delaying the launch of the upcoming clean air zone in the city. Under the original plans, a ‘Category C’ clean air zone was to go live from May 30th; operating seven days a week, 24/7. Those HGVs and coaches found to be non-compliant would face daily charges of £60 when entering the zone. For non-compliant taxis and private hire vehicles, the figure would sit at £7.50; with a temporary exemption for Greater Manchester-licensed vehicles being in place until May 31st, 2023. Older minibuses and vans would also receive this temporary exemption, but would need to pay £10 once it had expired.
The charges were to be based on emissions standards, Euro6/VI or better for diesel engines, and Euro4 or better for petrol. However, Andy Burnham, the city’s mayor, as now announced that local authorities are looking at better ways of addressing local air pollution.
A Better Solution?
In a joint statement issued by Cllr Andrew Western and environment minister Jo Churchill, it was revealed that a new plan was being prepared. It said, “air quality is one of our biggest health challenges and we are all completely committed to tackling it. We have agreed to a short time-limited pause. We will work together to deliver, by the middle of the year, a plan for clean air for Greater Manchester, one that is fair to the businesses and residents of the city-region”.
It continued, “we will deliver improved air quality as soon as possible, not losing ambition but ensuring we take into account the pandemic, global supply chain challenges, improvements already baked into retrofits and the scope as previously laid out. We will now work jointly to meet the Greater Manchester and Government requirements on clean air, as soon as possible, and no later than 2026”.
The previous plan for a clean air zone had faced considerable criticism, including from the Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He said, “I know from my own experience how vital it is when you’re trying to clean up air in a great city that you do not unjustly penalise business and small business and it’s become clear that the scheme proposed by the Labour mayor in Manchester is completely unworkable, would do more damage to businesses and residents in Manchester”.
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