The Government has taken the decision to approve a plan put forward by Local Councils in Manchester, being satisfied that it will meet legal obligations to reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution without implementing road charges. I know people raised concerns about costs for businesses and residents when the original scheme was proposed in 2022. The Government’s decision to back this plan rules out a charging zone, meaning motorists will not be charged to drive into the area.

Instead, there will be a fleet of new buses and traffic-calming measures to improve air quality in the region. Manchester is set to benefit from 117 new lower and zero-emission buses in a £86 million scheme to help clean up the region’s air.

Defra and the Department for Transport have assessed an investment-led plan proposed by local councils and concluded it will meet legal obligations to reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution.

The investment-led package includes:

• £51.1m towards bus investment, including 40 zero emission buses, 77 Euro VI standard buses and charging infrastructure;
• £5m for local traffic management measures;
• £8 million to support moving Greater Manchester’s taxi fleet to cleaner vehicles
• Up to £21.9m for administration, delivery, monitoring and other associated costs.

This decision marks a step forward in our efforts to improve air quality in Greater Manchester while considering the needs of our residents and businesses.