Have your say on the direction of Manchester Clean Air Zone

Twenty-five RHA members have heard from Manchester officials about the latest developments on reducing emissions - and plans for consultation.

Have your say

Officials want to hear from hauliers and coach operators to ensure their views are taken on board as they develop their new policy on Manchester CAZ.

They’re calling on coach firms to contribute to ensure the right funding and eligibility criteria are in place to enable category B vehicles to be upgraded to those with cleaner engines.

Online surveys are now open until Monday 10 October.

The survey will take around 15 minutes and is available here.

TfGM

The news follows Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) telling our members they’ve reappraised air quality evidence in the area as they try to avoid the imposition of a charging Clean Air Zone (CAZ).

They said that investment in zero-emission buses, and targeting localised pollution hot spots, will help them achieve legal air quality.

They’re also seeking further central government funding to help hauliers upgrade to the cleanest HGVs.

Members welcomed the news from officials – as a charging CAZ for Greater Manchester hangs in the balance.

Right direction

Chris Ashley, RHA Policy Lead for Environment and Vehicles, said: “TfGM’s plans are heading in the right direction and we want to support their new proposals where we can.

“Our members appreciated the opportunity to hear from local officials – I’d like to thank TfGM for taking the time to speak to them.”

Approval

Their plans to reduce emissions hinge on approval from DEFRA/DfT.

Government agreed that the Greater Manchester charging Clean Air Zone would not go ahead on 30 May 2022

Manchester officials said that the original Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan was designed to comply with a legal direction from government issued before the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, there have been significant changes in the market for vehicles compliant with Clean Air Zone standards, particularly vans, and the cost of living has increased.

A public consultation on the new Clean Air Plan proposals will then take place in early 2023, subject to government feedback.