A scheme for HGVs to apply for funding support is being planned by Transport for Greater Manchester to help hauliers deal with the region’s new Clean Air Zone.
TfGM says the Clean Air Zone, launching on 30 May 2022, is a “key component of Greater Manchester’s green revolution”, helping to tackle the problem of air pollution, which contributes towards at least 1,200 deaths per year in the city-region.
Greater Manchester has secured one of the largest support packages outside of London with £120m to help regional businesses, people and organisations upgrade to cleaner, compliant vehicles and avoid a daily charge.
Around £8m will initially be made available to help affected HGV owners to upgrade or retrofit their vehicles ahead of the Zone going live next year. The first round of funding will aim to support GM’s smaller businesses, sole traders and the voluntary sector and clean up the oldest, dirtiest vehicles.
Applications for HGV funding are proposed to open on 30 November to give those eligible and impacted by the zone the maximum amount of time to apply. This is dependent on the plan being approved by the Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee on 13 October.
Funding for GM-licensed Private Hire Vehicles and Hackney Carriages, coaches, minibuses and Light Goods Vehicles will launch at the end of January 2022, ahead of their inclusion in the Zone from 1 June 2023.
Meetings with business representative organisations and key sectors are being held to provide these important groups with the latest, in line with the report being considered by the GM Air Quality Administration Committee; providing reassurance and an opportunity to discuss how their members are fully supported as the GM Clean Air Plan is implemented.
The Zone – which covers all ten Greater Manchester districts – will not include private cars, motorbikes and mopeds.
Greater Manchester Lead for Clean Air, Councillor Andrew Western, said, “The Clean Air Zone will be crucial in our wider plan to reduce vehicle emissions and clean up Greater Manchester’s air.
“We’re working hard to ensure we support as many affected vehicle owners as possible move to cleaner vehicles so they don’t have to pay a daily charge.
“The financial support scheme opens to HGVs in November, pending approval, and I’d encourage anyone who thinks they could be affected to apply early.”
(Picture – TfGM)
