People in Greater Manchester have been sharing their views on the current state of our bus network.
03.03.2022 - 19:17 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk
No vehicles should be charged in the new Clean Air Zone (CAZ), Greater Manchester leaders have agreed, as the scheme remains under review.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has called for a 'non-charging' scheme which would help fund vehicle upgrades.
The bid has been backed by all nine Labour council leaders in the city-region – and Bolton's Conservative leader has said he would support no charges too.
READ MORE: Burnham brands Boris 'dishonest' and demands 'straight answers' as toxic CAZ dispute rumbles on
It comes after the controversial scheme that was set to start charging some commercial vehicles which exceed air quality standards in May was paused.
A new ministerial direction requiring Greater Manchester to comply with legal limits on air pollution was issued, delaying the deadline by two years to 2026.
Leaders now believe that this can be achieved without a charging scheme.
The cameras could instead be used to identify non-compliant vehicles and signpost them to financial support – but this would require more funding.
Do you agree with the proposals? Let us know in our comments below
In the letter, Burnham calls for a non-charging Category B Clean Air Zone – which would exclude vans, motorhomes, mopeds and cars completely.
He wrote: "We are of the clear view that any new scheme should be based on incentives for individuals and businesses to change vehicles rather than a charging penalty regime.
"But, to succeed, this will require your government to agree to the extra financial investment needed to enable vehicle upgrades to happen without the owners incurring unacceptable costs."
The metro mayor also told the Prime Minister he hopes politics can be taken out of the
People in Greater Manchester have been sharing their views on the current state of our bus network.
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