Transport bosses in Manchester are considering proposals to tackle air pollution with the introduction of clean air zones in the city centre.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is considering implementing a zone in the city centre which could see drivers of vehicles deemed particularly polluting charged a fee.
The Department for Education, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) last week published its draft plans to improve air quality by reducing nitrogen dioxide levels in the UK. Clean air zones - charging and non-charging - were included in the plans.
However, it stated: ‘It will be the responsibility of local authorities to develop innovative proposals for their local area that will bring pollution levels within the legal limits within the shortest time possible.’
TfGM said they are doing ‘early-stage exploratory work’, funded by Defra, into the best ways for improving air quality in Manchester.
A statement said the transport authority is considering ‘a wide range of possible options and scenarios and aims to assess a significant number of variables which need to be considered.’
‘Over the course of the coming weeks we will be reviewing Defra’s national proposals in line with our Greater Manchester Low Emission Strategy and Air Quality Action Plan, and GMCA will be responding to the consultation as appropriate,’ the statement said.
