The transport minister today revealed the Government has no plans to enforce clean air zones in Manchester.
While a formal decision is yet to be made Heidi Alexander MP supported the right for local leaders to make their own decision on the implementation of clean air zones.
Last year Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham unveiled a plan to reduce pollution by 2025 without having to introduce clean air zones after they were put on hold in 2022.
The Transport Minister said: “Local leaders know their area best and there will be different approaches that are right for different areas.
“We’ve got no plans to enforce a paid for clean air zone in Greater Manchester.
“This is for local leaders to take local decisions about what is best for their local area.”
Burnham explained the decision to remove the charge was about improving the environment and health, without worsening the cost of living crisis.
Burnham said: “Let’s take the signs down and let’s give the public the incentives to travel in the right way.”
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs holds the final decision on the introduction of the clean air zones but Burnham was hopeful that the investment-led transport plan would be sufficient.
Burnham promised that by the Spring 25% of buses in Greater Manchester will be electric in aims to tackle the climate crisis.
The metro mayor urged people to back the Bee Network in a press conference at Wythenshawe to mark the final phase of the roll out of the bus service.
He said in order to keep fares low and encourage accessibility people must use the service, stating it is his intention to keep the £2 fare cap for the whole of 2025.
Featured image: Cardinator25 via flickr
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