Government won't put date on Clean Air Zone decision

THE GOVERNMENT will not say when the future of Greater Manchester's Clean Air Zone will be decided.

- JOSEPH TIMAN

The controversial scheme that initially would have charged some motorists whose vehicles exceed emissions standards could be cancelled if the government approves a new plan.

Local leaders, who were instructed by the government to bring air pollution down below legal limits, have said they want all charges to be scrapped since 2022, soon after the scheme was put on hold following a public backlash. Last month, they revealed a revised proposal which involves more electric buses, funding for cleaner taxis, and upgrading roads in and around Manchester city centre.

They claim that this will clean the air quicker than charging motorists.

The government will now have to decide whether it agrees.

The M.E.N. asked the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) when the government is expected to respond to Greater Manchester's revised proposal.