Greater Manchester Shifts to Investment for Cleaner Air

The controversial Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in Manchester has been officially scrapped, with the government endorsing Greater Manchester’s investment-led approach to tackling pollution instead of imposing charges on polluting vehicles. This decision marks the end of a three-year struggle and extensive preparation for the CAZ, which was intended to charge drivers of non-compliant vehicles.

Cancellation of the Clean Air Zone

Initially, the CAZ proposed daily charges for drivers of polluting vehicles, including taxis and private hire vehicles (PHVs). Taxi drivers would have faced £7.50 a day, vans and minibuses £10, and buses and lorries up to £60. However, after strong public opposition, the plan was paused three years ago. The Greater Manchester government pushed for an alternative investment strategy to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels by replacing older vehicles with cleaner alternatives.

Shift in Approach: Investment Over Penalties

The new strategy involves significant government support to help drivers upgrade to greener vehicles. Instead of penalizing drivers, the focus is on investment, which Greater Manchester believes will reduce pollution without financially burdening taxi drivers. This marks a shift away from the original charging plan, aligning with the views of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who argued that the pandemic made the original plan unfeasible.

Mayor Andy Burnham stated:

“The plans to cut pollution were made before the pandemic and would no longer work due to rising costs prohibiting drivers from upgrading their vehicles.”

New Government Funding for Taxi Drivers

The government is providing substantial funding to help Greater Manchester’s taxi drivers replace their old vehicles. In addition to the £22.5 million already pledged, an extra £8 million will be given to ensure that all non-compliant taxis and PHVs are replaced by December 31. This support is seen as a lifeline for taxi drivers who were worried about the cost of upgrading their vehicles.

Bee Network: Cleaner Buses and Integrated Transport

Greater Manchester has also introduced the Bee Network, a new integrated transport system. This includes the introduction of 117 new, lower-emission buses, part of the region’s strategy to cut transport-related pollution. By bringing all bus services under local control, Greater Manchester aims to improve sustainability and reduce emissions across the region.

Ministers Praise Greater Manchester’s Approach

Government officials have praised Greater Manchester’s efforts to tackle pollution through investment. Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, highlighted the success of the Bee Network buses in making the region’s transport more sustainable.

Minister Lilian Greenwood stated:

“Having completed the groundbreaking Bee Network buses, Greater Manchester is making fantastic progress in building a modern, sustainable and truly integrated transport network.”

Air Quality Minister Emma Hardy also emphasized the importance of local solutions to air pollution and health issues, particularly in low-income communities.

Minister Emma Hardy stated:

“Air pollution is damaging people’s health and the environment. Its impacts are felt more by low-income communities, making health and social inequalities worse.”

Cancellation of CAZ Contracts

With the cancellation of the Clean Air Zone, Greater Manchester has been allowed to cancel contracts related to the scheme. These included IT systems, signage, and other infrastructure meant to support the CAZ. This move helps redirect resources toward the investment-based strategy, ensuring that funds are used efficiently to improve air quality.

Comparison with Other UK Regions

While other UK regions have implemented or planned charging schemes to reduce pollution, Greater Manchester’s investment-focused approach stands out. By focusing on supporting taxi drivers and public transport, the region aims to improve air quality without imposing financial strain on its citizens. This alternative model offers a potential blueprint for other cities facing similar air quality challenges.

Mayor Andy Burnham emphasized:

“We are grateful to this Government for listening to Greater Manchester and for this vote of confidence in our investment-led approach to cleaning up our air.”

A New Direction for Air Quality in Manchester

As Greater Manchester shifts its focus to investment in cleaner vehicles and public transport, the city is moving toward a more sustainable future. This approach aims to significantly reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality across the region. The success of this strategy could set a precedent for other UK cities looking to balance environmental goals with the needs of their residents.