Manchester Clean Air Zone Charges and Information
The introduction of the Manchester Clean Air Zone charges was due to commence on 30th May 2022 but has currently been delayed awaiting Government approval.
But are you ready for it and do you have questions that need answering?
As Ewood MOT & Service Centre Blackburn is only 9.8 miles from Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone on the border of Turton Heights, many of our existing and future customers will be affected by the changes, especially businesses and owners of fleet vehicles.
First to face the charges will be commercial vehicles affecting drivers of taxis, HGVs, buses, coaches and vans. That means it’s important that any business with a van or fleets are fully aware of the impact this will have on their business and fleet management plans.
We’ve compiled some useful information about the Manchester Clean Air Zone including key facts, why the measures are coming into place, who it will affect, and how you can best prepare your vehicle to be as efficient as possible.
Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone – Key Facts
- Charging of specific vehicle types was due to come into effect from 30th May 2022, but has currently been delayed to potential launch date of July 2022.
- Manchester Clean Air Zone covers approximately 493 square miles over 10 boroughs
- It is currently the largest clean air zone programme in the UK
- Both visitors and residents within the zone will be liable to daily charges
- Drivers of vans, buses, coaches, taxis and lorries that fail to meet emissions standards will be the first to be affected and must pay a daily charge within specific roll out dates.
- Daily charges will range in price from taxi and private hire vehicles paying £7.50, vans paying £10 and £60 for for coaches, buses and HGVs.
- Charges of £10 daily for Van/light goods vehicles or minibuses will commence from June 1 2023 and include vehicles such as car-derived vans, pickup, flatbed/boxed/panel vans, minibus (between eight and 16 passenger seats) with a Euro 5 or earlier diesel engine (typically registered before 2016) and motorised horseboxes up to 3.5t when carrying a load.
- Taxis will be charged £7.50 daily and are dependent on specifications including Euro 5 or earlier diesel engine, Euro 3 or earlier petrol engine specifications. Charging dates are staggered depending on the date the licence was registered.
- Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be used to monitor and enforce charges with signs identifying their positions.
Information correct as of 4th February 2022. This may change as the Clean Air Greater Manchester, a collaboration between 10 Greater Manchester local authorities, the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are still in discussions with the Government which has lead to a delay of the role out originally intended to commence on 30th May 2022.
Why has the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone Been Created?
The Clean Air Zone has been created to reduce the amount of pollution such as invisible gases and fine particles emitted from vehicles that can get deep into our lungs and blood streams.
How can I maintain the efficiency of my vehicle and reduce pollution?
Ensure you maintain regular service plans to monitor and maintain the running efficiency of your vehicle.
Regular checks on exhaust pipes and connection to diagnostic machines will help you understand how your vehicle is performing and make you aware of any maintenance required.
Ensure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. Under inflated tyres will use more fuel and increase your costs.
Avoid harsh and erratic braking and acceleration when driving as this uses more fuel creating more pollution. It also impacts on the performance of parts on the vehicle such as brake pads which leads to increased waste.
Remove unnecessary weights in the vehicle (in the boot, roof racks etc), thereby reducing the amount of fuel used for journeys.
Where can I find out the latest information?
Visit the Clean Air Manchester website by clicking here for all the latest news on dates, charges, vehicle classes, funding support and air pollution understanding.
As an RAC Approved Garage, Autocare and Approved Garage member , Black Circles garage and DVSA Green Certification MOT Centre the reasons for using Ewood MOT & Service Centre as an Independent Garage to manage your cars and vans is even more compelling than ever.
We want to remove any barrier that prevents you being able maintain your vehicles, reduce any unexpected repairs or excessive charges and lengthen the lifespan of your cars and vans.
Whether you own or lease private vehicles, or manage fleet vehicles in your business, get in touch with us on 01254 433383 for more information and quotes on service, MOT, maintenance or repairs and let’s help you keep your vehicles as efficient and reliable as possible.