What is happening with the Manchester Clean Air Zone | Dace Motor Group

What is happening with the Manchester Clean Air Zone?

Over the last few months, we’ve been gearing up for the imminent launch of the Manchester Clean Air Zone. But recent reports may be suggesting that the clean air zone could be postponed until 2026.

The Manchester Clean Air Zone was initially due to launch in May 2022.

The zone was developed to improve the air quality across ten local authority neighbourhoods: Tamebay, Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Salford, Trafford, Manchester, Rochdale, Oldham, and Stockport. Over 150 roads in our region have air pollution levels that exceed the legal limit. The introduction of the clean air zone is an attempt to improve the air quality across the region, through the implementation of daily-charging zones for high-polluting vehicles.

However, there have been significant concerns that the scheme has become “unworkable.” Many local businesses, who have already been hit hard by the pandemic, could be unable to cope with these extra charges. The CAZ has attracted widespread criticism from local firms, with many taxi drivers in particular expressing concerns that their vehicles could be hit by the Manchester clean air charging zones.

Why is the Manchester Clean Air Zone being delayed?

One of the primary factors in the clean air zone being delayed is that many businesses simply cannot afford to upgrade their vehicles to newer, more energy efficient models. The pandemic has hit the local economy hard, and many firms cannot afford to pay the daily penalty fees, nor buy a new vehicle.

We’ve previously spoken of the impact of covid on the new car market. The global shortage of semi-conductor chips has made it difficult for the biggest car manufacturers to produce new cars. This shortage has created higher demand for second-hand cars, which has inevitably led to a price rise across the used car market.

As a used-car dealership group, we always undertake daily checks to confirm that our prices remain competitive. But there has been a notable increase in prices nationally, which means that many used-cars may now be worth more than you initially paid.

Could a scrappage scheme be an alternative to the Manchester Clean Air Zone?

Local leaders are conscious that local businesses (and individuals) need to be financially supported if they are to be encouraged to switch to more environmentally-friendly vehicles.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has suggested that the funds used for implementing the clean air zone could be better used to fund a scrappage scheme. Rather than charging high-polluting vehicles with penalty fees, he believes that the money used to install the CAZ could be better used to direct drivers to financial assistance. Mr Burnham has written to the Prime Minister to request additional financial support to help drivers transition to energy-efficient vehicles.

In his letter, he wrote: "Any new scheme should be based on incentives for individuals and businesses to change vehicles rather than a charging penalty regime. But, to succeed, this will require your government to agree to the extra financial investment needed to enable vehicle upgrades to happen without the owners incurring unacceptable costs."

The Manchester Clean Air Zone will now be postponed and reviewed. The ten local authorities across the Greater Manchester region will now submit a revised plan in July which will outline how they intend to reduce air pollution in the region.  

Dace Motor Group can help you find an environmentally-friendly used car

As a used-car dealership group, we know how important it is to invest in a car that has minimal emissions. Our sales team are highly trained and knowledgeable about the proposed Manchester Clean Air Zone, and if you are looking to upgrade your vehicle, we can let you know if your chosen vehicle meets the required emissions standards.

We take our responsibility to our local communities seriously. That’s why we are actively sourcing more energy-efficient used vehicles to add to our stock. More electric and hybrid vehicles are coming into the used-car market each month, and we are actively trying to find second-hand cars that have environmentally-friendly technologies.

If you are looking for a used electric car, but you’re not sure what to expect, please get in touch with a member of our team. We’re always happy to answer any questions that you may have about electric vehicles.

Why not browse our current range of hybrid and electric vehicles or visit one of our four dealerships? You can find us on Greg Street in Reddish, Buxton Road in Stockport, Manchester Road in Stockport, or Liverpool Road in Eccles.