New service launches to help businesses understand if they comply with Clean Air Zone rules

The GC Business Growth Hub, part of the Growth Company, has launched a new support service to help businesses and self-employed people understand their options for complying with Clean Air Zone rules that will come into effect from 30 May 2022.

The hub has set up a dedicated enquiry team to help businesses, sole traders and self-employed people in Greater Manchester understand the new rules. Advisors will provide details of vehicle compliance, and share guidance as to how organisations and individuals can adapt their services to minimise any financial impact from the Clean Air Zone.

The Growth Hub’s service has been launched to coincide with the first financial support scheme opening for HGV owners in the city-region. Organisations will be able to access grants or financing to help meet the costs of retrofitting existing vehicles to reduce harmful emissions, or support the cost of purchasing a cleaner alternative. Further information is available from the GC Business Growth Hub website.

Financial support schemes for taxis, coaches, vans and other affected commercial vehicles will launch in January 2022. Privately-owned cars will not be impacted by the Clean Air Zone. An online checker tool is available to help businesses prepare.

Greater Manchester Lead for Clean Air, Cllr Andrew Western, said:

“We’ve been directed by national government to introduce a Clean Air Zone to bring harmful nitrogen dioxide air pollution levels within legal limits on local roads in the shortest possible time, and by 2024 at the latest.

“Financial support is being offered to as many affected vehicle owners as possible to help them move to cleaner vehicles so they don’t have to pay a daily charge. I’d encourage HGV owners to use the online checker to see if they are affected and find out more about their options as soon as possible.

“We also want to be clear – this scheme is not designed to make a profit and Greater Manchester is seeking to put any money raised back into the Financial Support Scheme to help others to upgrade, as soon as possible.”