Drivers in Greater Manchester will not face additional charges as the area is set to benefit from 117 new lower and zero-emission buses, part of an £86 million scheme aimed at cleaning up the region’s air, the Government confirmed today, January 23, 2025.
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Department for Transport (DfT) rigorously assessed the investment-led plan proposed by local councils and concluded it will meet legal obligations to reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution.
Whereas local authorities elsewhere have adopted Clean Air Zones to combat nitrogen dioxide pollution, Greater Manchester presented evidence demonstrating compliance could be achieved without charging motorists. This decision effectively rules out the establishment of a Clean Air Zone, ensuring motorists will not incur charges to drive within the area.
The comprehensive investment package consists of several pivotal measures:
- £51.1 million designated for bus investment, which includes 40 zero-emission buses, 77 Euro VI standard buses, and related charging infrastructure.
- £5 million allocated for local traffic management schemes.
- £8 million to assist Greater Manchester’s taxi fleet transition to cleaner vehicles.
- Up to £21.9 million earmarked for administration, delivery, monitoring, and other associated expenses.
Local authorities have also been informed they can reassess and potentially cancel contracts related to the Clean Air Zone, including signage and camera installation.
Air Quality Minister Emma Hardy remarked, “Air pollution is damaging people’s health and the environment. Its impacts are felt more by low-income communities, making health and social inequalities worse. To improve our health, wellbeing and the environment, we must improve air quality.” She expressed her satisfaction with Greater Manchester’s approach as it demonstrates local authorities' capability to formulate effective plans based on their communities’ specific needs.
Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, commended the region's progress on its transport network and highlighted the initiative’s broader goal of reducing transport-related pollution without burdening local motorists. “Having completed the groundbreaking Bee Network buses, Greater Manchester is making fantastic progress,” she said.
Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham expressed gratitude to the Government for recognizing the region’s investment-led strategy to tackle air quality issues. He stated, “This is the right decision for Greater Manchester and it gives people here the certainty they have long needed.” Burnham emphasized the successful implementation of the initial phase of the Bee Network, which has been both timely and cost-effective, reinforcing the Government's trust in Greater Manchester to deliver on its promises.
The UK has legally-binding targets to reduce nitrogen dioxide concentrations to no more than 40 micrograms per cubic meter annually, and it remains the responsibility of local councils to devise the quickest means of achieving compliance. The Government collaborates with local authorities to improve air quality and minimize population exposure to pollution.
The recent announcement aligns with long-term trends highlighting poor air quality as the leading environmental risk to human health. Data from 2012 to 2022 indicate significant progress has already been made: emissions of nitrogen oxides fell by 46%, and sulphur dioxide emissions saw a decline of 75%.
Across England, local councils have received substantial financial support from the Government, with existing funding of £575 million dedicated to support actions aimed at addressing nitrogen dioxide pollution. Given recent developments, Greater Manchester authorities demonstrated their ability to effectively manage air quality concerns without resorting to the methods employed by other regions.
Fundamentally, these clean air initiatives reflect broader governmental efforts seeking to achieve sustainable environmental goals. The strategy sets Greater Manchester on the right path toward cleaner air and public health improvement without imposing additional financial burdens on local drivers.
With the successful integration of lower and zero-emission buses, traffic management strategies, and upgrades for taxi fleets, Greater Manchester's leadership hopes to pave the way for not only regulatory compliance but enhanced quality of life for its residents.
Authorities are enthusiastic about working collaboratively with locals to refine transportation plans moving forward, aligning with the long-term aim of upgrading regions to meet cleaner energy standards.
Overall, the Government’s funding plan for Greater Manchester marks a significant stride toward cleaner air, demonstrating confidence in community-led initiatives and affirming the necessity of innovative approaches to combat air pollution effectively.
It is not just about addressing pollution – it is about nurturing healthier, more sustainable living environments for generations to come.