While we all recognise the need to reduce carbon emissions on the UK’s roads, it’s important that any immediate decisions that impact society are carefully measured.

So, it was no surprise that motorists across Greater Manchester breathed a sigh of relief last month following the change in directive for the upcoming Manchester Clean Air Zone (CAZ), which stood to charge vehicle owners whose motor vehicles did not meet set emissions from May of 2022.

Among them were many Lex Autolease colleagues based at our Stockport headquarters who would have been impacted through increased costs for taxi fares, delivery charges and trade costs where suppliers such as plumbers or builders drive older, less efficient vehicles. Although our colleagues recognise the need for such intervention if we are to achieve the country’s net zero target, the lack of public consultation and confusion around what the changes would mean – particularly as to when the majority of road users would begin to be impacted by the zone – caused concern for many. 

Following the U-turn, local authorities now have until July to submit a new Clean Air Zone scheme that achieves air quality compliance by 2026 which the government must agree to.

Cleaner air – lighter wallets
The original GM Clean Air Plan included a Greater Manchester-wide category C charging Clean Air Zone. Only the most polluting vehicles which don't meet emission standards would have been charged to drive in the Zone.

Category C covers buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, vans, minibuses, meaning that by its installation, transport and logistics fleets for businesses operating across the city would have been heavily affected, as well as members of the public who rely on public transport.

Concerns have been raised that, with fines being incurred by companies, it may set a precedent for businesses to up their prices to soften the blow, ultimately transferring the cost on to their customers.

The Clean Air Zone was designed to comply with a legal direction from government issued before the coronavirus pandemic. Since then, there have been significant vehicle supply chain issues, particularly for vans, alongside a monumental increase to the cost of living.

Hazy details
Alongside the immediate backlash from both the public and businesses, the Clean Air Zone has been criticised by some for presenting a confused plan that has failed to present a coherent structure. Under current plans, all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester will have to comply with the scheme, but roads under ownership by Highways England, will not.

This means that drivers along any of the motorways, including the ring roads, in and out of Manchester will not be charged, however, may be liable to the emissions standards as soon as the pull off the slip road. Many road users have been left concerned that no clear messaging has emerged as to whether the motorways will remain exempt or if road-trippers may find their wallets a little lighter after passing through the area.

What’s more, a lack of clarity about the changes has been an ongoing theme. Many of Manchester’s motorists and fleet managers were left confused by the new signage that appeared overnight, and that have subsequently had to be covered due to displaying the wrong start date.

So, what happens next?
Since the scrapping of the original plans, much has changed in the region.

Firstly, Mayor Burnham and the 10 council leaders in the city-region now want all charges under the scheme to be scrapped, marking a significant U-turn. Instead of charges, cameras would be used to identify non-compliant vehicles and signpost them to financial support. However, this will require significant government funding, which is not guaranteed.

Meanwhile, the buses of Greater Manchester have been brought back under public control thanks to the campaigning of Mayor Andy Burnham. Under these new plans, the cost of bus travel would be significantly lowered which could act as an incentive to those who are unable to comply with the CAZ straight away.

Transport for Greater Manchester, which has been working on the plans on behalf of the 10 councils, has promised that a public consultation will take place. Councils are expected to run their own consultations to seek residents' views, meaning that there is more chance for the Manchester community to have an input on the Clean Air Zone. However, it’s fair to say that there is a long way to go before a viable plan can be enacted.

Whatever the outcome, it’s an important reminder for fleets to continue to consider the latest and cleanest technology in order to stay ahead of any potential low-emission restrictions. You can read more about the proposals here, or contact your relationship manager to talk through the potential implications for your fleet.