Greater Manchester clean air zone could launch in May 2022

Mayor unveils plans to charge high-polluting vehicles, but campaigners angered by private car exemption

Greater Manchester has approved plans for a clean air zone (CAZ) scheme under which high-polluting commercial and passenger vehicles will be charged to drive through the city.

High-polluting heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches will be charged 60 a day; vans, 10; and taxi and private hire vehicles, 7.50 to drive within the zone. Failure to pay will result in a 120 fine in addition to the daily charge. Private cars will be exempt. The scheme is expected to be rubber-stamped at a meeting of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) next week and is expected to launch on 30 May 2022.