Clean Air Zone outcome for Greater Manchester is 'truly great', Andy Burnham says

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Andy Burnham says the government’s decision to not impose a charging clean air zone in Greater Manchester is a ‘truly a great outcome’.

Ministers confirmed on Thursday morning (January 23) the mayor’s ‘investment-led approach’ will go ahead. It aims to reduce pollution with an £86 million package to invest in cleaner buses and taxis, and reduce congestion on key routes like Regent Road.

The announcement brings a three-year saga to an end, after plans to charge some motorists up to £60 a day for driving on the region's roads were put on hold after a huge public backlash at the start of 2022.

The mayor’s alternative plan was unveiled in December 2023, and was waiting for government sign-off since then. “It’s great news,” Mr Burnham said. “We have been arguing for the investment-led approach to clean up the air for quite some months It’s great this government has listened to Greater Manchester and is backing our approach. “The critical thing is no charging zone for Greater Manchester.