New Clean Air Plan to be discussed

Oldham Council’s Cabinet is set to discuss the draft Case for a New Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan – one that would not include daily charges for drivers.

Unlike the previous charging Clean Air Zone scheme, which was set up following government direction, the new plan will improve the health of residents by cutting the amount of dirty air people breathe while taking into account the cost-of-living crisis.

It also takes into account the impact of the Covid pandemic on supply chains, supports ongoing economic recovery and considers the opportunities presented by investment in cleaner vehicles, including buses.

The new investment-led, non-charging approach is set out in the ‘Case for a new Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan’, which includes:

Evidence that economic conditions have got worse since the previous Clean Air Plan was agreed in summer 2021, with businesses and families now dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, soaring inflation and high vehicle fuel costs.

Proposals to review the financial support available to owners of specific vehicles, such as HGVs and Taxis, to help upgrade to cleaner and greener vehicles. 

A proposal to work with the Government to agree the use of ANPR cameras to help identify vehicles that could be upgraded, and also those potentially used in crimes.

The 10 Greater Manchester local authorities submitted the draft case for the new plan to government on July 1.

Councillor Abdul Jabbar, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Finance and Low Carbon, said: “Poor air quality has a huge impact on the health of residents, especially those who suffer from breathing issues and illnesses.

“Cleaning up our air is a priority for Greater Manchester.

“The previous clean air plan became unworkable due to the cost-of-living crisis and issues in the global supply chain meaning it’s harder to get hold of green vehicles that don’t pollute the air.

“The old scheme would have imposed daily charges on drivers of non-compliant vehicles, but the financial hardships businesses are going through mean they are less able to afford to invest in vehicle upgrades, whilst households cannot absorb any costs that may be passed on to them as they are also struggling.

“On top of this there is evidence that the demand for new and compliant second-hand vehicles is exceeding supply, leading to longer wait times and rising prices.

“We believe a charging Clean Air Zone would have caused unacceptable financial hardship and contributed to business failures.”

Councillors are asked to note the contents of the report when they meet on July 25.

For more on the Clean Air Plan, visit: https://cleanairgm.com/

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