William Eichler 14 December 2023

Mayor Burnham criticises fee-paying clean air zone

Mayor Burnham criticises fee-paying clean air zone  image
Image: Juiced Up Media / Shutterstock.com.

More public investment in buses and taxis will improve air quality in Greater Manchester faster than a fee-paying clean air zone (CAZ), Mayor Andy Burnham says.

Greater Manchester’s 10 local authorities are legally directed by Government to bring nitrogen dioxide within legal limits by 2026.

The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has set out its plan for achieving this target including a £51.2m investment in electric buses for the Bee Network, £30.5m for cleaner taxis, and £5m for measures to manage traffic flow.

This proposed investment would bring air quality within legal limits for nitrogen dioxide on local roads by 2025, whereas a charging CAZ would fail to meet the 2026 deadline, according to the GMCA.

The Government will have the final say on whether Greater Manchester will go ahead with its investment plan or a charging CAZ.

Mayor Burnham said: ‘By accelerating investment in the Bee Network to create a London-style integrated public transport network, and upgrading GM-licensed taxis, we can improve air quality faster than if we introduced a Clean Air Zone, and without causing hardship to our residents or businesses.’

He added: ‘I’d also ask Government to urgently consider allowing Greater Manchester local authorities to remove charging Clean Air Zone signs, as modelling shows that only Greater Manchester’s investment-led plan can meet the legal test placed on the 10 councils to deliver compliance in the shortest possible time and by 2026 at the latest.’

If this article was of interest, then check out our features, 'Now I am become Uxbridge, destroyer of rational climate discourse' and 'Home County drivers face taxation without representation'.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Worker (Link Role)

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Family Worker (Link Role)Permanent, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Assistant Manager

Wakefield Council
£42,839 to £46,142, Grade 10.
We have fantastic opportunity available for a Residential Children’s Home Assistant Manager. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Council Tax Officers - North Lincolnshire Council

North East Lincolnshire Council
Grade 6 - £16,765 to £18,501 per year
You will be working as part of the Local Taxation and Benefits Shared Service North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Electoral Services Officer

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC15 - £30,024
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping democracy while thriving in a fast-paced, data-driven environment? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council

Family Support Worker

North East Lincolnshire Council
NJC 19 - £32,061
Are you committed to improving outcomes for our Young People? North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner