Transport chiefs have said they still believe a Clean Air Zone is not required despite an increase in air pollution in parts of Greater Manchester. The proposal for a Clean Air Zone, which would have imposed a daily fee on some drivers to use the region's roads, was dramatically halted in 2022 and remains 'under review'.
Local leaders now argue that there is no need to impose charges on motorists. Instead, they propose an alternative plan involving a £51m investment in new electric and cleaner diesel buses, reducing city centre traffic, and offering grants for vehicle upgrades.
They contend that this approach will reduce pollution faster than imposing charges and say air pollution in Greater Manchester is already decreasing.
However, in 2022, there were still 64 locations across the city-region where nitrogen dioxide (NO2) levels exceeded legal limits - in some cases, these levels have increased since 2022. Government data shows that the highest level of NO2 recorded in Greater Manchester last year was higher than the previous year, increasing from 54 micrograms per cubic metre to 55.
The º£½ÇÊÓƵ's legal limit, which the city-region must meet by no later than 2026, is 40. Meanwhile, the maximum level of NO2 recorded in other urban areas, including the West Midlands, London and Bristol, decreased last year by up to 4 micrograms per cubic metre, reports .
All of these areas have introduced Clean Air Zones but remain above the legal limit.
Sarah Rowe, a campaigner for Clean Cities º£½ÇÊÓƵ, expressed her concerns, stating: "The latest government data is alarming but not surprising. Nitrogen dioxide - one of the most harmful pollutants - has increased in Greater Manchester but is falling in other major º£½ÇÊÓƵ cities. While other cities have implemented a bold package of measures to address toxic air, Greater Manchester has failed to address the challenge holistically, with this data now showing the approach has been slow and ineffective. Manchester's air quality is illegal, with NO2 levels well over five times higher than World Health Organization guidelines."
"The air that we breathe risks making us all sick, but especially those who are young, elderly, have existing health conditions or live in the most deprived neighbourhoods. The recent update to the Greater Manchester Clean Air Plan stated that there was a gradual improvement to air quality in the city region, but this government data suggests that is a selective reading of the evidence at best."
"Given the recent announcement was to highlight further delays without any change of course, we urge the authority to see this data as a wake-up call to finally tackle the scourge of toxic air that harms our communities. The government should insist that the existing Clean Air Plan is expanded beyond the bus and taxi improvements to increase its impact."
In September, transport chiefs disclosed that delays in upgrading bus depots and 'issues' with modelling under a previous plan mean it will take one year longer than expected to bring pollution below legal limits. All 10 councils in Greater Manchester were first instructed by the government to prepare a plan for a Clean Air Zone in 2019, with NO2 levels required to meet legal limits by no later than 2024.
However, the date was subsequently pushed back following a public backlash to the Clean Air Zone. A new ministerial direction issued in February 2022 requires the 10 local authorities to comply with legal limits on air quality as soon as possible, and no later than 2026.
In an updated Clean Air Plan published on September 18, transport chiefs said their 'investment-led' plan will allow the 10 councils to meet legal obligations faster than charging motorists would. It comes as 64 of the 248 locations in Greater Manchester where NO2 levels are monitored were found to be above the legal limit last year with another 78 'at risk of exceedance'.
Several such exceedances were recorded in Manchester city centre and around the ring road. Many were also recorded near motorways such as in Prestwich, Ashton-under-Lyne, Denton, Stockport, Cheadle and Wythenshawe with a high number in Mottram.
High levels of NO2 were also recorded in various locations across Greater Manchester last year, with Longsight, Levenshulme, Bolton, and Bury bearing the brunt of pollution that surpasses legal thresholds. According to recent projections, if no corrective action is initiated, 26 places within the city-region could sustain illegal levels of NO2.
The majority of these hotspots surround the city centre, aside from locations near Bury town centre and along the bustling A6 corridor leading to Stockport. In a promising sign, air quality surveillance showed a significant improvement from the data recorded pre-Covid-19.
Five years ago there were 129 spots registering NO2 concentrations above allowable limits. A representative from Clean Air GM said: "Air pollution is falling in Greater Manchester and this is being driven by investment in the Bee Network, as well as the gradual transition to cleaner vehicles across the city-region."
"We recently submitted the updated Clean Air Plan to Government and remain committed to an investment-led, non-charging plan that continues to improve air quality without causing hardship to residents or businesses."
The spokesperson said that subject to government consent, planned interventions laid out in the fresh Clean Air blueprint comprise the introduction of eco-friendlier buses, strategic traffic management enhancements, and a grant scheme designed to modernize taxis. This modelling suggests that collectively, these initiatives might expedite the air purification process more efficiently than if a charging Clean Air Zone were to be implemented.
The final decision on Greater Manchester's Clean Air Plan, including potential charges, will be made by the government. This week, Labour mayor Andy Burnham expressed optimism about having news 'by the end of the year', potentially even later this month.
Don't miss the latest news and analysis with our regular North West newsletters – sign up here for free
