Clean Air Zone in Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester has started installing the necessary cameras and signage ahead of the launch of its Clean Air Zone (CAZ).
What Are It’s Aims?
Due to launch in May 2022, the CAZ aims to cut harmful emissionsand create a cleaner air environment.
The equipment installed includes:
- 850 ANPR cameras
- 2000 signs
across the region’s highways network.
Funding
Greater Manchester has also secured more than £120m government funding to help drivers upgrade to cleaner vehicles.
Cleaner vehicles are be able to travel within the new Clean Air Zone without having to pay the daily charge.
Comment
Councillor Andrew Western, Greater Manchester lead for Clean Air, said:
“It’s good to see a tremendous amount of progress being made to deliver the Clean Air Zone, which will include local roads in all ten Greater Manchester local authority areas. We’re working hard to ensure we support affected vehicle owners move to cleaner vehicles so they don’t have to pay a daily charge. While the Zone launches in May 2022, there will be local exemptions in place to give businesses and organizations more time to apply for funding.”
The Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan
The Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan has been approved by all 10 of Greater Manchester’s local authorities. The contract for operating the end-to-end service for the CAZ program has been given to Egis for the next five years. This will make Egis responsible for the installation and maintenance of close to 900 ANPR cameras as well as a public-facing CAZ office to handle payments and Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).
What Vehicles Are Affected?
Affected vehicles include:
- light goods vehicles and vans
- heavy goods vehicles
- buses, coaches
- motorhomes
- hackney cabs
- private hire vehicles and minibusses
Following a public consultation in 2020, two issues were raised that now need further consultation. A six-week consultation will take place across September and October for the ten local authorities so they can come to a decision about the final plan.
The two remaining issues are:
- Including a section of the A575 and A580 at Worsley
- Including motor caravans within the charging scheme
When Will It Launch?
Anticipated to launch on May 30, 2022, the charge will operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Vehicles liable to pay the charge will pay using the Government’s online portal.
How Can We Help?
Our industry-leading Telematics Solutions can guide your drivers and help them avoid charging zones. You can also use geofencing to block drivers from certain areas so that you have peace of mind that they won’t be getting any unwanted fines.
Clean Air Zone in Greater Manchester