There has been plenty of criticism of Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone in recent weeks over the high charges for many drivers in the area. It comes just months before the zone is meant to be introduced, with many finding it difficult to replace their current vehicles with CAZ-compliant ones, thanks to the global shortage of semiconductors.
Representatives from Greater Manchester’s 10 councils issued a letter to the Environment Secretary George Eustice, requesting he pause the second phase of Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone (CAZ) funding.
They called for a fundamental review of vehicle supply chain issues, and requested that the central Government intervene.
Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions today, James Grundy, MP for Leigh in Greater Manchester, asked Boris Johnson whether the Government would get involved in the contentious issue.
He said: “The Greater Manchester Mayoral Clean Air Zone scheme is effectively a congestion charge affecting all 500 square miles of Greater Manchester, including my constituency of Leigh.
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Mr Grundy represents Leigh, the former constituency of current Mayor Andy Burnham, who stepped down from the role in 2015.
In response to the question, Prime Minister Boris Johnson reaffirmed plans to look into Manchester’s CAZ.
He added: “I know from my own experience how vital it is when you’re trying to clean up a great city that you do not penalise businesses, in particular small businesses.
“It has become clear that the scheme proposed by the Labour Mayor in Manchester has become completely unworkable.
If the CAZ goes ahead as planned, it will be introduced from May 30, 2022, with higher polluting taxis and private hire vehicles being charged £7.50 per day, although most Greater Manchester-licenced vehicles have a temporary exemption until 2023.
Vans and minuses will be charged £10 per day from 2023 and buses, HGVs and coaches will see costs of £60 per day starting at the end of May.
If the daily charge for a non-compliant vehicle is not paid, there will be a liability to pay a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) of £120 in addition to the unpaid charge.
This can be reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days.