Businesses urged to have their say on Clean Air consultations

Leaders in Greater Manchester are urging businesses across the city-region to share their views on clean air proposals as part of plans to build back greener after the coronavirus pandemic.

Consultations are running until December 3rd on two elements of plans for reduce air pollution in Greater Manchester. So far, over 40,000 people have engaged online with the two proposals for a Clean Air Zone in the city-region and the introduction of minimum standards for taxis and private hire vehicles.

For businesses and taxi operators, the Clean Air team is hosting a series of webinars, which offer a more detailed presentation and an opportunity to ask questions about the plans and funding packages being proposed.

Cllr Andrew Western, Greater Manchester Green City-region Lead, said:

We are fully aware that businesses have been severely impacted by the pandemic, and a further national lockdown to stem the spread of the virus means they continue to be impacted.

“But air pollution also continues to affect us all, particularly our poorest communities, those with health conditions, older people and children.

“Many roads across Greater Manchester are in breach of legal limits for nitrogen dioxide, and we need to act now. Our Clean Air Plan is an important part of our post-pandemic recovery, cleaning up our commercial vehicles and providing bus operators and hackney carriage and private hire drivers with access to funding to move to a modern, cleaner fleet – not to tackle congestion.

“It is hugely important for businesses to have their say through the public consultation process to bolster our case and develop our ask of Government for appropriate funds to make sure people get the support they need.

“We have worked hard to produce a funding package that provides the right level of support to help businesses and traders upgrade their vehicles to meet the emission standards of the CAZ.

“Now is not the time for people and businesses to be silent – we want to hear from everyone so that we can clean up our air together. Your voice will help shape our final plans and, fundamentally, the future of our city-region.”

Greater Manchester’s progressive Clean Air Plan aims to bring nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) pollution levels on local roads within legal limits in the shortest time possible, and includes a Government-directed Category C* Clean Air Zone (CAZ).

The Clean Air consultation asks for views on key elements of the Zone, including its proposed boundary, daily charges, discounts and exemptions, and the funding packages to support local businesses to upgrade to cleaner vehicles. So far, £41 million of funding for region has been confirmed, with GMCA calling for additional support to help businesses comply with new rules and encourage members of the public to upgrade their vehicles.

The consultation on proposed Minimum Licensing Standards for taxis and private hire vehicles is running in parallel to ensure as much certainty and clarity as possible for the trade on any proposed changes required to their vehicles. The city-region is proposing an emissions-free fleet by 2030, with support to minimise the impact on the sector.

Transport for Greater Manchester is coordinating the Clean Air and Minimum Licensing Standards consultations on behalf of the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities. The findings from the consultation will be used to inform the final proposals next year.

To complete the consultation questionnaires, visit the Clean Air GM and GM Taxi Standards websites.