GM’s clean air leaders to consider steps towards new Clean Air Plan for region

A new plan for clean air measures will be considered by Greater Manchester’s clean air leaders next week (February 28).

A government-backed plan to charge polluting vehicles was due to begin on May 30, but, with government approval, has been withdrawn on the grounds of being unworkable due to the financial impact on residents and concerns over availability of less polluting vehicles.

A new government direction now requires Greater Manchester’s 10 local authorities to bring nitrogen dioxide on local roads to within legal limits as soon as possible and by no later than 2026.

Greater Manchester’s 10 local authorities have until July 1, 2022, to work with government to develop a new plan that will clean up the region’s air while protecting livelihoods.

As well as updating on the latest status of the GM Clean Air Plan, the report to the GM Air Quality Administration Committee next week asks members to note that:

• Wording on already installed Clean Air Zone signs stating the original opening date of 30 May 2022 will be covered.
• ANPR cameras that have been installed will be utilised, under agreement with government, to gather ‘real time’ data to inform the new plan, including monitoring vehicle fleet renewal trends and specific traffic mix at key locations where nitrogen dioxide levels are in breach of legal limits.
• Applications for funding for light goods vehicles, minibuses, taxis and PHVs, and discounts or exemptions under the previous plan have been paused because of its withdrawal.
• HGV and bus funding remains open to support people to upgrade and help deliver improved air quality. HGV funding for small businesses is to open from 5pm on the afternoon of Monday 28 February.
• Greater Manchester remains committed to cleaning up the air its residents breathe – but in a way that helps people to make the change and does not put jobs, livelihoods and businesses at risk.
• High levels of air pollution from road traffic have a major impact on people’s health across Greater Manchester.
• Poor air quality contributes to nearly 1,200 premature deaths in Greater Manchester every year and is increasingly seen as a contributor to breathing problems – like asthma – heart disease and some cancers.

A Clean Air Greater Manchester spokesperson said: “It is important that people are aware of the current status of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan.”