The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is being urged to scrap plans for a Clean Air Zone in Manchester due to fears it’ll harm local businesses…
Manchester CAZ Faces Mounting Opposition
Opposition towards the planned Clean Air Zone in Manchester has continued to grow. Andy Burnham, Mayor of the city, has written to Boris Johnson – urging him to swap the plan with a non-charging Class B Clean Air Zone. This would exclude most vehicles and eliminate the possibility of charges for non-compliant vehicles. The Class B variant would see drivers of polluting vehicles directed to financial support with which to procure a cleaner vehicle; the required funds for which Burnham is asking the government to commit to.
The change of strategy has been backed by all of the nine Labour council leaders in the city; who have issued a joint statement. The CAZ was meant to go live in Manchester last year, but it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. A ‘Class C’ proposition, it would see vans, minibuses, private hire vehicles and HGVs face charges; ultimately, ensuring compliance with nitrogen dioxide limits.
Incentives, Not Costs?
Burnham strongly believes incentives will be more effective than imposing charges. In a statement, he said “we are of the clear view that any new scheme should be based on incentives for individuals and businesses to change vehicles; rather than a charging penalty regime. But, to succeed, this will require your government to agree to the extra financial investment needed to enable vehicle upgrades to happen without the owners incurring unacceptable costs”.
CAZs have attracted controversy throughout the country. Leeds recently abandoned plans for one, and Southampton rejected the concept outright years ago. Bristol, which intends to introduce one, has had to push its launch back by a number of months, too.
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