Public consultation for Greater Manchester’s clean air plan and taxi standards will begin this October.
From 08 October to 03 December, people across the city will be asked for opinions on the UK’s largest clean air zone (CAZ) outside of London and minimum standards for taxis and private hire vehicles.
The two consultations will run simultaneously due to the overlap between the CAZ plans and proposed emission standards in taxi and private hire vehicles.
Though lockdown saw an improvement in air quality, as traffic returned to Manchester, road pollution increased and in some areas exceeded the legal limits. Leaders will therefore consult on the 2022 CAZ’s proposed boundary, charges and a multimillion-pound funding for local business to upgrade to cleaner vehicles.
Residents will also be asked to give their views on planned minimum licensing standards for taxis and private hire licensed in Greater Manchester.
Councillor Andrew Western, Green City-region lead, said: “Greater Manchester needs to take action to improve air quality, now and for future generations. As air pollution does not respect geographic boundaries, the 10 Greater Manchester local authorities have come together to produce a joint plan.
“The minimum standards for taxi and private hire will help deliver a shared vision for the future of the sector in Greater Manchester and a move away from harmful emissions.”
Greater Manchester said it will seek £100m additional funding to create a hardship fund for those businesses affected. Furthermore, a trade meeting will take place allowing taxi and private hire operators to give their views.
