Greater Manchester Gets Government Backing for £86 Million Clean Air Initiative

A new £86 million scheme supported by the government aims to improve air quality in Greater Manchester. It tackles nitrogen dioxide (NO2) pollution while avoiding additional costs for motorists. This innovative approach contrasts with Clean Air Zones (CAZ) seen in other UK regions, where older, more polluting vehicles are charged to reduce emissions.

The plan prioritizes cleaner public transport, allocating £51.1 million to introduce 117 new buses, including 40 zero-emission models and 77 meeting Euro VI standards. Alongside this, charging infrastructure for electric buses will be installed to support the shift. Public transport, a significant source of urban NO2 pollution, is expected to reduce emissions significantly.

An additional £5 million will go toward traffic management measures to address congestion, contributing to air pollution through idling vehicles. By improving traffic flow, vehicle emissions will decrease, enhancing urban air quality.

The government has pledged £8 million to help Greater Manchester transition its taxi fleet to low-emission, environmentally friendly vehicles. As taxis form a critical part of urban transportation, this measure will directly reduce pollution.

Unlike other cities with CAZ schemes, Greater Manchester’s councils have demonstrated that their investment-led approach can meet legal air quality limits without imposing financial burdens on residents or businesses. This plan aligns with the government’s recognition that solutions to air quality issues must be tailored to regional needs.

The initiative is part of the UK’s effort to meet legally binding air quality targets, including reducing NO2 levels to below 40 micrograms per cubic metre annually. Poor air quality is a leading environmental risk to human health, linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, particularly in vulnerable communities.

With the ongoing success of the Bee Network, Greater Manchester is solidifying its position as a leader in urban transport innovation. By focusing on cleaner buses, greener taxis, and traffic improvements, the region is reducing air pollution while avoiding additional driver charges.

Lilian Greenwood, MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, said the Bee Network had been "groundbreaking."

"It's great to see that Manchester will be able to reduce pollution from transport without having to charge motorists."