Manchester CAZ plans discriminatory, says RHA

The RHA has reacted angrily to the latest statement issued by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority regarding Manchester’s Clean Air Zone (see: https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/news/statement-relating-to-the-greater-manchester-clean-air-zone/), branding it unfair and discriminatory.

Due to vehicle supply problems, the GCMA has stated its intention to delay plans to charge vans and Manchester-based taxis entering the CAZ, but “buses, HGVs and non-Greater Manchester taxi and private hire vehicles” will continue to be charged from May 2022.

In addition, during a phone-in on BBC Radio Manchester today where RHA member, Lance Bromley, director of HTF Transport, challenged Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham8 incorrectly claimed that lorry operators can retrofit their vehicles.

Reacting Chris Ashley RHA policy lead on the environment, “Manchester’s CAZ plans are rapidly descending into farce and demonstrates a wholesale lack of understanding of how vehicles are replaced.

The vehicle supply shortage has also bedevilled hauliers, and it is incorrect to imply that lorry operators can retrofit all their vehicles. It is unfair and discriminatory that the haulage sector is being singled out for these punitive measures.

We all want clean air, and alternative solutions exist to achieve it. We ask the Mayor to stop dogmatically sticking to a deeply-flawed policy, and join others in calling for the CAZ to be delayed and the evidence-base to be re-evaluated.”

The RHA will both raise its concerns and propose solutions such as reducing the size of the CAZ with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and the Government’s Joint Air Quality Unit (JAQU) over the coming week.