Manchester Clean Air Zone charges

Work has started on the new Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone which will launch on May 30, 2022.

The first of around 850 numberplate recognition cameras and 2,000 signs have been installed on the highways network in preparation and businesses are being urged to start preparing for change.

What is the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone?

The Clean Air Zone is one of many being introduced in the UK to combat air pollution. It will cover most local roads in Greater Manchester with permanent charges if vehicles don’t meet emissions standards.

It affects vans, lorries, buses, coaches, taxis and minibuses.

Charges range from £10 a day for vans to £60 a day for lorries, adding thousands of pounds to vehicle running costs unless companies buy newer, compliant vehicles.

If you don’t pay the charge, there is a £120 fine, reduced to £60 for quick payment.

Where are the Clean Air Zones in Greater Manchester?

The Clean Air Zone will apply across:

•    Bolton
•    Bury
•    Manchester
•    Oldham
•    Rochdale
•    Salford
•    Stockport
•    Tameside 
•    Trafford
•    Wigan

Which vehicles are affected by the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone?

The Low Emission Zone will apply to vans, lorries, buses, coaches, taxis and minibuses. Private cars and motorbikes will not be affected.

To avoid charges, vans need to be at least Euro 6 standard for diesels or Euro 4 for petrol vehicles.

Diesel vans are most likely to be affected. All new diesel vans sold from September 2016 should meet the Euro 6 standard, but with fleets operating commercial vehicles for up to 10 years, many will not be compliant. All petrol vans registered with the DVLA from January 2006 meet the Euro 4 standard.

Vans benefit from a temporary exemption until 1 June 2023 to give companies time to adapt.

Does the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone mean companies have to buy new vehicles?

If companies find their vehicles are affected by the Clean Air Zone, the high daily charges involved mean older vehicles may not be cost effective to run.

The local authority is offering grants towards vehicle replacement, but this still requires substantial long-term finance or a hefty one-off cost.

Alternatively, flexible vehicle hire ensures that businesses of all sizes and with any budget can renew their fleet cost effectively without lengthy financial commitment. They can also source vehicles quickly when they are needed.

Reflex Vehicle Hire vehicles can be specified with a wide range of ancillary equipment and livery; they also come with the latest safety technology.

* To discuss the impact of the Manchester Clean Air Zone on your company and how we can help your business to adapt, contact the Reflex Vehicle Hire team. 
 

Check if your vehicle is compliant here.

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