The Government has confirmed the implementation of a new, locally-led 86 million GBP scheme to clean up air in Greater Manchester.
The scheme, which replaces previous plans to introduce a Clean Air Zone in the region, will see the implementation of 117 new lower and zero-emission buses, cutting overall carbon emissions.
Plans for a Clean Air Zone were shelved following an intense assessment of a new investment-led plan brought forward by councils, which found the proposal’s intended action-plan would meet legal obligations to reduce nitrogen dioxide pollution faster than a regulated zone.
As part of the proposal, the region will see 51.1 million GBP invested into the acquisition of 40 zero emission & 77 Euro VI standard buses for the area (as well all associated charging infrastructure), 5 million GBP invested into local traffic management measures, 8 million GBP pledged to support Greater Manchester’s taxi fleet in a move to cleaner vehicles and up to 21.9 million put aside GBP for administration, delivery, monitoring and other associated costs.
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said:We are grateful to this Government for listening to Greater Manchester and for this vote of confidence in our investment-led approach to cleaning up our air. This is the right decision for Greater Manchester and it gives people here the certainty they have long needed.
Because we have implemented the first phase of the Bee Network on time and on budget, the Government clearly trusts us to deliver and has seen the evidence that our approach is working. The Bee Network is cleaning up our air and keeping the cost of travel as low as possible. Its success is allowing us to remove a big weight of worry off the shoulders of people who need to drive as part of their job.
We are grateful to Steve Reed and Heidi Alexander for backing us with funding to take our approach further and faster. We will now continue to work towards an all-electric bus fleet whilst investing in local traffic measures and supporting our GM-licensed taxi drivers to upgrade to cleaner vehicles.
Following the shelving of the Clean Air Zone initiative, local leaders have been informed they may review and cancel any contracts relating to the previously discussed implementation.
