The clearest indication yet that people will not be charged to drive in Greater Manchester has been given by the Government
Plans to bring in charges for polluting vehicles in 2022 were postponed over concerns that the charges would unfairly land on those with less ability to pay
Yesterday the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told the BBC Local Democracy reporting service that she had no plans whatsoever to enforce a paid-for clean air zone in Greater Manchester.
“I could not be clearer: this is for local leaders to take local decisions about what’s best for their local areas.”
The statement by DEFRA said: “Air pollution is a public health issue, and we recognise there is always more we can do to reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide emissions.
Local authorities are best placed to determine the most effective route to reducing nitrogen dioxide in their cities. We are committed to working with them as they deliver legally binding obligations to improve the air we breathe.
“We are concluding our consideration of Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Plan proposal, but there are no plans to impose pay per mile road charging. We will provide an update shortly.”
