Don't forget Clean Air Day!

Events will take place across Greater Manchester tomorrow (Thursday) to mark a national day of action aimed at tackling poor air quality.

People across the region are being encouraged to make a long-term pledge to change their travel habits for the second Greater Manchester Clean Air Day.

And Metrolink is joining in with a special free travel offer for early risers and evening commuters, who can travel for FREE before 7am or after 7pm.

Today, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham joined London Mayor Sadiq Khan and other city leaders from across the UK at a Clean Air Summit.

Together they called on government to do more to tackle the growing menace of polluted air in towns and cities, including: a ban on the sale of new pure diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2030; a targeted national vehicle renewal scheme; more support to deliver Clean Air Zones; and a national Clean Air Act to tackle the scourge of air pollution.

Road transport is largely responsible for some of the most dangerous air pollutants in Greater Manchester, including nitrogen dioxide and particulates.

Vehicle exhausts can produce harmful gases and tiny particles of soot and other matter that cause health problems and harm our environment.

It’s estimated that up to 2,000 people die prematurely in Greater Manchester each year due to air pollution, among 40,000 people nationally.

Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, said: “It’s not an exaggeration to say that poor air quality is one of the biggest – and deadliest – challenges of the modern age.

“I’m working with local councils and transport and health trusts to make sure we’re doing everything we can to tackle this problem. But the stark truth is, we can’t succeed alone.

“On last year’s first ever Clean Air Day we saw thousands of people pledging to make changes to help clean up our air. This year I want to see even more people take long-term action. Every single one of us needs to think about making small lifestyle changes to help clean up the air we all breathe.

“Nationally, we need government to step up and help local authorities across the UK, through investment in public transport and a national diesel scrappage scheme to effectively tackle this looming health and environmental crisis.

“I hope that Clean Air Day will really focus attention on these important issues and, more importantly, encourage us all to take action.”

Events will take place across Greater Manchester on Clean Air Day, including free lung-health checks and the chance to see or try out the latest electric cars and bikes in Manchester City Centre’s Exchange Square.

To find out more about Clean Air Day events and make a pledge, visit www.tfgm.com/air. Follow #GMCleanAirDay for the latest news.

Pledges to take action include: leaving the car at home just one day a week; car-sharing when possible; working from home regularly; walking and cycling more; and encouraging friends to do the same.