Air pollution has recently become an issue concerning many people in recent years, and this has led to the creation of several Clean Air Zones (CAZ) across the UK. Manchester is one of the many cities with high levels of pollution that have been identified as requiring action, and so it is in the process of implementing its own Clean Air Zone.
What can we expect from the Manchester Clean Air Zone, and how will it affect those who live and work in the city? We'll take a closer look at the measures being put in place, the timeline for implementation, and what impact this might have on the local community.
The Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone is an initiative aimed at reducing air pollution across the city and improving the wellbeing of its residents.
Initial plans for a city-wide charging zone had been put on hold, but a new proposal is set to be announced in 2023. The campaign strives to meet government-set legal standards, with all vehicles adhering to a set of strictly enforced emission standards when the zone launches. By reducing the number of highly polluting commercial and private hire vehicles, the goal of the campaign is to decrease harmful emissions and lessen the impact on vulnerable members of society, including elderly and sick individuals.
The quality of air in Manchester has taken a big hit, and it's left a mark on the lives of all its residents, especially those who are most vulnerable - elderly citizens, kids, and people fighting chronic illnesses like asthma, heart disease, strokes, and even cancer. In a bid to combat this, a Clean Air Zone has been proposed.
On its launch, commercial and private hire vehicles fulfilling the necessary emission criteria would be exempt from this charge. This includes
Euro 6 for diesel taxis (typically after September 2015)
Euro 4 for petrol taxis (typically after 2005)
Euro 6 for diesel vans and LGVs (typically after September 2016)
Euro 4 for petrol vans and LGVs (typically after January 2006)
Euro VI for HGVs, buses, and coaches (typically after 2014)
Private car or motorcycle owners will currently be exempt and won’t have to bear any charges.
The Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone is gearing up for launch with its Class C rating and inclusive charges for buses, taxis, HGVs, vans, minibuses, and LGVs. The operational zone will enforce charges daily, 24/7, once it goes live, while fines for the PCN will cost £120.
It’s also worth noting that private cars, motorbikes, and mopeds are exempt from the plan. As for charges, it depends on your vehicle, with the day charge currently for HGVs, buses, and coaches at £60, vans at £10, and taxis and private hire vehicles at £7.50.
You will easily be able to pay the Manchester Clean Air Zone charge through the Caura app, which will also be able to check the vehicle's exemption once charging begins. Upgrade plans are also underway for non-compliant vehicles with government funding of £120m.