Burnham proposes 'Non-charging Category B Caz' and asks for Government support to upgrade vehicles

Andy Burnham has written to Boris Johnson outlining proposals for a replacement for the controversial Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone (CAZ).

The original proposals for the scheme, which would see some high-emission vehicles face daily charges, had been due to begin at the end of May.  It was paused last month following significant opposition.

Yesterday in the Commons, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the plans were "thoughtless" and should be scrapped.

In the letter, the Greater Manchester Mayor said it was the Government who signed off the original scheme, and that it was he and the ten GM councils, that asked that the scheme should be scrapped because "it had become unworkable due to the pandemic"

Issues in supply chains for electric vehicles and parts meant many would be penalised for driving on the road with no option to upgrade vehicles.

Now, Mr Burnham says a new scheme should be based on incentives for individuals and business rather than a charging penalty scheme.

However the GM Mayor says the government should play their part.

"This will require your Government to agree to the extra financial investment needed to enable vehicle upgrades to happen without the owners incurring unacceptable costs.

"It is only the Government which can remove the pressure from Greater Manchester to have a charging CAZ. So, following the proposal from the Leaders, the ball is in your court."

The Labour leaders of ten metropolitan borough councils, including Oldham, say that the two-year extension of the clean air targets means vans (LGVs) can now also be exempt from charges.

In a proposal to the Government, the ten councils say investment is necessary.
 
"Labour will press for a non-charging zone for any vehicles. Should the Government impose charges, we will only accept them for a Category B clean air zone if the Government provides full financial support to enable individuals and businesses to upgrade their vehicles and with sufficient time being provided in light of the supply­ chain issues."

There are 4 types of clean air zones, Class A to D.

• A Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles
• B Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs
• C Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, vans, minibuses
• D Buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, HGVs, vans, minibuses, cars, motorcycles

The government has provided £120m to help eligible drivers in the city region, including small businesses, the voluntary sector and HGV owners, to switch to compliant vehicles.

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