Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone charging plans on ice

As reported in Logistics Magazine last month, the 30 May 2022 launch date of the Greater Manchester CAZ has been postponed owing to supply chain issues and the scarcity of new compliant vehicles.

Now, with the scheme under review, Greater Manchester leaders have agreed that no vehicles should be charged in the CAZ. In a letter to the Prime Minister, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has called for a ‘non-charging’ scheme which would help fund vehicle upgrades. This call has reportedly been backed by all nine Labour council leaders and Bolton’s Conservative leader too.

Mags Simpson, Head of Public Policy Engagement, said: “The shortage of semi-conductor chips has led to an acute shortage of compliant commercial vehicles in the market. Given this challenging set of circumstances, the government’s decision to lift a legal direction requiring the implementation of a charging Clean Air Zone in Greater Manchester appears to be an appropriate response.

“Greater Manchester’s local authorities have until 1 July 2022 to work with government to develop a new plan. In the meantime, we will continue to engage with regional authorities to help inform the new plan, including interim delivery arrangements for the Clean Air Zone.”

*www.logistics.org.uk/urban

Published On: 10/03/2022 16:00:00

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