Clean Air Zone – Manchester Opts Against Emissions Charging Scheme

The government has officially confirmed that Manchester will not be getting a clean air zone (CAZ) that charges, after a consultation process.

It’s great news for fleets and drivers alike who regularly drive in the city, with the plan led by the local councils to introduce more low emission and zero emission public transport options in an £86 million scheme.

Plans were considered by the Department for Transport (DfT) with the government keen for decisions on emissions policies to be made by local authorities, which resulted in a submission by local councils in Manchester.

Low Emission Zones – What Does It Mean For Fleets?

In recent years, we’ve seen more and more congestion charges and CAZ charging zones introduced, with the feeling that this was the plan moving forward for driving in all major city centres in the UK.

But with Manchester bucking the trend, there’s hope that considerations outside of charging drivers can be made in order to give fleets and people time to transition to EVs and low emission vehicles.

For many fleets, replacement cycles can mean that it takes longer to phase out some vehicles, particularly when it comes to HGVs and other larger vehicles.

Tackling air pollution and improving air quality is something the government is under pressure to deal with, and road traffic is one of the most obvious areas for improvement.

London’s CAZ was the first to open in the UK, and the city has since updated the system to the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), meaning that a daily charge runs 24 hours a day.

Vehicles that don’t meet the ULEZ emissions standards are charged £12.50 per day, which can be paid in advance or on the day of travel.

The daily charge for non-Euro 6-compliant trucks is £100, with penalty charges beginning at £500, which is in addition to any Congestion Charge or Low Emission Zone (LEZ) charges that may apply.

That can put a lot of strain on fleets who might need to drive through the zones multiple times in a week, which is one reason why Manchester has opted for a different approach.

Making The EV Switch – Have You Done It?

With local authorities tasked with achieving their NO2 targets over the coming years, one of the options on the table is the introduction of charging CAZs.

But with Manchester opting for an investment-led approach to public transport options, it’s proof that it’s not the only option…

And as EVs become more and more commonplace with the internal combustion engine (ICE) deadline looming, the question is all about replacement cycles and when the best time to make the switch to EVs is.

For fleets, that’s a key consideration in terms of investment and future proofing in the coming years – and where you’re based and where your drivers’ routes take them will have a big bearing on that.

What do you think of the introduction of Clean Air Zones in recent years? Do you think it’s the best approach to tackle air pollution? Or do you think a more considered approach locally, like in Manchester, is the way forward? And will it impact your timescales for switching to EVs? Let us know in the comments below.