Stockport residents asked to help shape GM Clean Air Zone proposals

Residents and businesses across Stockport are being encouraged to give their views and help shape Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone plans to reduce harmful air pollution on local roads.

Government has directed Greater Manchester’s councils – including Stockport – to introduce a Category C Clean Air Zone (CAZ) across the region, to bring nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels on local roads within legal limits in the shortest time possible.

The clean air consultation will ask 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 in Stockport and across Greater Manchester to upgrade to cleaner vehicles.

Government has already awarded Greater Manchester £41m initial funding and leaders are seeking more than £100m further funding, alongside a £10m ‘Hardship fund’ to support those considered most vulnerable to the financial impacts of the CAZ.

Cllr Jude Wells, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health, at Stockport Council, said:

As a council we have been working hard with Transport for Greater Manchester to tackle air pollution in the borough.

“We are now at a stage with the Clean Air plan where we cannot do this alone and we need the views of our residents so we can improve the quality of the air that we breathe by shaping the plan that has been produced.

“Poor air quality is a health issue and it’s one of the biggest public health issues facing this country – we really need your input in making this plan a reality.”

The purpose of the CAZ is to improve air quality by encouraging drivers to upgrade to a cleaner vehicle. Non-compliant vehicles would start paying the proposed daily charge when the Zone launches (expected in spring 2022), with the exception of vans and minibuses which will start paying in 2023.

The Clean Air Plan consultation runs until midnight on Thursday 3 December 2020, and Stopfordians can find out more and give their views at cleanairgm.com, or request further support, including copies of consultation documentations, on 0161 244 1100.

Hard copies are also available at the seven libraries currently open in the borough: Brinnington, Cheadle, Heatons, Hazel Grove, Marple, Reddish and Bramhall. Opening times vary, so please check. Residents can request a copy by asking a member of staff.

The Clean Air GM website will host a virtual engagement space open 24/7 during the consultation period, given government guidance around social distancing. A series of virtual meetings will also be held.

For support to respond to the consultation, or to request copies of the summary documents and questionnaires if you can’t visit a library in the borough, please email info@cleanairgm.com or info@gmtaxistandards.com or phone 0161 244 1100 where support for non-English speakers can also be accessed.