Greater Manchester Abandons Clean Air Zone Charges

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has announced the scrapping of plans to implement Clean Air Zone charges in the region, which would have mimicked the controversial Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) in London.  Instead, the authority unveiled an ambitious £51.2 million investment strategy on Wednesday, focusing on zero-emission electric buses for the area’s so-called Bee Network, alongside £30.5 million in grants for cleaner taxis and an additional £5 million to optimise traffic flows in the city centre. The decision stems from concerns that a Clean Air Zone charging scheme might not adequately meet the 2026 pollution reduction target and could unfairly burden residents and businesses. Mr. Burnham outlined the alternative approach as an expedited investment in public transport infrastructure and the promotion of cleaner vehicles. This move aims to enhance air quality without placing additional financial stress on the community....