Salford residents can have their say as plans to clean Greater Manchester’s air begin with an eight-week consultation process starting from today until December 3rd.

The plans involve all 10 local authorities in Greater Manchester, with the aim to bring nitrogen dioxide levels on local roads within legal limits by 2024 at the latest.

The Clean Air Zone (CAZ), which is being introduced in 2022, will be known as a ‘C class’ Clean Air Zone. This includes all non-compliant commercial vehicles such as buses, lorries, vans, taxis and private hire vehicles.

Councillor Mike McCusker, Executive Support Member for Planning, Housing and Sustainable Development at Salford City Council, said: “We want people and businesses from across Salford, Greater Manchester and beyond to get involved and help shape the region’s final plan to clean up the air we all breathe.

“During the eight-week consultation, people will be able to have their say via the CleanAirGM website on key elements of the CAZ, including its proposed boundary, daily charges, discounts and exemptions, and request to government for a multi-million-pound funding package to support local businesses to upgrade to cleaner vehicles.”

He continued: “Anyone can get involved to share their views on the proposals. But there are plenty of ways residents can help reduce air pollution with a few simple changes, such as driving less and choosing to make more journeys on foot or by bike that will also improve their health.”

Parts of the plan are fixed – such as the types of vehicle that would have to pay a charge inside the CAZ and the implementation of CAZ in Greater Manchester.

How can you let your voice be heard?

However, Salford residents as well as anyone in Greater Manchester can have their say on the proposed boundary, the proposed operation and the proposed daily charge, discounts and exemptions.

You can also give feedback on details such as the funds and vehicle finance available to support impacted vehicles, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on the ability of businesses to respond to the proposals.

To have your say, click here to fill in a questionnaire and give feedback on the current proposals.

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