The government have confirmed that there will be no clean air charges in place for Greater Manchester.
The Clean Air Zone was originally introduced over three years ago, however it was halted at the start of 2022 after it faced huge public scrutiny.
The scheme, initially set to come into effect May 2022, would charge private hire taxis £7.50 a day to drive on almost all roads in Greater Manchester. With vans and minibuses paying £10 and buses and HGV’s up to £60 a day.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, argued that the pre-pandemic planned scheme would no longer be beneficial and instead with the help of local leaders put forward alternative methods to help cut pollution in the city.
The “investment-led” approach put forward by local leaders is said to improve air quality whilst remaining “charge free” by 2026.
The approach was backed by all nine labour council leaders in the area and was just waiting on the government to provide their support, which they finally have.
Andy Burnham said: “This is a truly a great outcome for Greater Manchester.”
The plan which has now been approved includes funding for local traffic management measures, bus investment (including zero emission buses), moving taxis to cleaner vehicles and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood said: ” Greater Manchester is making fantastic progress in building a modern, sustainable and truly integrated transport network.”
“Manchester will be able to reduce pollution from transport without having to charge motorists, and new, cleaner buses will help Mancunians get around easily while still bringing down emissions across the city.”