You'll have a government working with the mayor rather than against him

STARMER SAYS IF HE IS PM IT WILL BENEFIT GREATER MANCHESTER

- JOSEPH TIMAN

GREATER Manchester would not need to introduce a Clean Air Zone under a Labour government, Sir Keir Starmer has said.

Speaking to the M.E.N., the Labour leader ruled out forcing the charging scheme through.

It comes after local leaders put forward a plan to scrap all charges on motorists under the controversial scheme which has been under review for two and a half years. But the government will have the final say on the proposal.

Sir Keir has now told the M.E.N. that Clean Air Zone charges would not be 'mandated' under a Labour government, saying that it would be up to local elected representatives to decide.

Local leaders had previously backed the scheme which would have charged vans, taxis, buses and lorries that don't meet emissions standards a daily penalty.

However, they now argue that air pollution can be brought down below legal limits without charging any motorists. Instead, they have proposed funding upgrades to vehicles and rolling out more electric buses in pollution hotspots.

This week, Labour has pitched itself as 'the party on the side of drivers!

During an election campaign visit in Crewe, the M.E.N. asked Sir Keir whether he has ruled out a Clean Air Zone which charges motorists in Greater Manchester.

He said: "I think Andy Burnham is already putting forward his plans on this. What he's doing is showing that this can be done in a way that doesn't disproportionately impact on motorists. I think he's right about that.