Final week of consultation on Greater Manchester CAZ

Greater Manchester leaders are urging businesses and residents to have their say on Manchester’s proposed Clean Air Zone (CAZ). 

With just one week left of consultation, the politicians have highlighted that feedback from the public is essential to ensure that Greater Manchester can make a solid case for the right level of funding. 

The proposed Category C class CAZ includes non-compliant buses and coaches, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) or vans, minibuses, taxis and private hire vehicles.

The government has so far committed £41m to the programme, but a number of the key parts of the funding to help businesses to upgrade to cleaner vehicles remains subject to review. 

This includes funds towards black cab and van replacement costs, alongside a proposed business hardship fund for those most in need. 

The consultation will end at midnight on December 3, for more detail visit, cleanairgm.com. 

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: ‘I want to reassure people that this consultation is absolutely not about introducing a congestion tax and anything which suggests otherwise, is misleading and incorrect.

‘The Clean Air Zone charges only the most polluting buses, vans, taxis and lorries — private cars are exempt — and we are under government instruction to introduce one in Greater Manchester.

‘This is about protecting our air now and for future generations and we need to ensure that our final plan reflects the local need, particularly amongst businesses who have been hit hard by Covid 19.

‘Armed with feedback from as many businesses as possible, we can make the strongest case to government for a comprehensive package of funding support and enable people to upgrade before the zone is introduced. With just one week to go, fill out the survey and help us get it right.’

Photo Credit – Pixabay