Clean Air Zones

(asked on 4th March 2022) - View Source

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is committed to delivering clean air zones as set out in the Government’s Air quality plan for nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in UK (2017).


Answered by
Jo Churchill Portrait
Jo Churchill
Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
This question was answered on 14th March 2022

The Prime Minister referred specifically to the case of Greater Manchester, where the Government has stepped in to delay implementation of the proposed Clean Air Zone given concerns about the impacts on residents and businesses in the wider Greater Manchester area.

Air pollution is a public health risk, particularly to the most vulnerable and this Government is committed to reducing non-compliant levels of air pollution as soon as possible.

As such, the Government remains committed to delivering the actions set out in the 2017 NO2 plan. The plan recognised that whilst Clean Air Zones (CAZ) can be effective at reducing NO2 emissions, different types of charging schemes as part of a Clean Air Zone can have a significant impact on businesses and residents. Consequently, local authorities are required to consider whether there are alternatives available that would deliver legal levels of NO2 as or more quickly.

The Government granted permission to Greater Manchester Authorities to delay the implementation of their Clean Air Zone following evidence provided on the impact of COVID-19 on supply chains and the price and availability of second-hand vehicles. Greater Manchester will provide a revised plan by July that better meets the needs of local businesses and residents and sets out how it will deliver legal levels of NO2 as soon as possible.

Some local authorities have determined that CAZs are necessary to deliver legal levels of NO2. Government has provided £880 million for both the implementation of measures and support under our Clean Air Fund which is given to Local Authorities to offer direct support to individuals and businesses to upgrade their vehicles and fleets. This includes awarding £170 million to Greater Manchester authorities to deliver cleaner air. This is on top of significant levels of investment from the Department of Transport in wider measures to support public transport, active travel and low emission vehicles.

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