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.’
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