The costs of introducing a Clean Air Zone are high and you’re saying that compliance will be reached four years after it’s been introduced. Isn’t this a waste of money and couldn’t it be better spent?

Greater Manchester has been directed by government to develop a Clean Air Plan to reduce nitrogen dioxide levels at roadside to below legal limits in “the shortest possible time” or potentially face legal action. The costs of the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone plan will be fully met by central government and GM are seeking further funding to support vehicle upgrade.

Cleaning up our air isn’t merely a legal requirement. It’s tackling our biggest environmental public health issue which affects the most vulnerable people in our society most badly – the elderly, sick, children and people living in the most deprived areas. Air pollution contributes to the equivalent of 1,200 deaths in GM each year. Doing nothing is not an option.