Controversial charges ‘as dead as a doornail’ as final decision looms

This comes after highly controversial scheme to bring in charges for cars, vans, buses, lorries and coaches that did not meet emission standards were parked in 2022 after a huge backlash.

An updated plan was submitted in December 2023 and has yet to be approved, but the government has now said it does not intent to impose a charge.

Bolton West MP Phil Brickell said: “This is welcome news and shows the Labour government has listened after years of attempts to impose a charge by the previous government. 

“I am pleased to hear clearly that it will be in the hands of the Greater Manchester Mayor to decide the way forward. 

APNR cameras have been installed across Greater Manchester (Image: GMP)

“This is the right thing for local democracy and accountability. 

“I fully support an investment led approach to any future plans to clean up our air in Bolton.  

“Making local small businesses pay was always the wrong choice. 

“They are the people who keep our local economy moving and should always be helped not hindered.”

A freedom of information request in 2022 revealed that 92 Clean Air Zone signs had been put up around Bolton at an estimated cost of £1000 per sign.

As of October 2022 more than £60M had been spent on the policy across Greater Manchester. 

Since the policy was paused “under review” was added to many of the signs, which are expected to be taken down.

Bolton Conservative group leader Cllr Martyn Cox said: “We’re just in a parlour game now, it’s as dead as a door nail and they should just take the signs down and file it under ‘not a good idea.’”

He added: “Sometimes in politics you just need to speak clearly, and this is clearly dead.

“Under review is government speak for ‘we’re not going to do it’.”

The government has now said that while it still hopes to reduce emissions, there are not planning to introduce pay per mile road charging.

They say they hope to issue an update on Greater Manchester’s clean air proposals soon.

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A government spokesperson said: “Air pollution is a public health issue, and we recognise there is always more we can do to reduce harmful nitrogen dioxide emissions. 

“Local authorities are best placed to determine the most effective route to reducing nitrogen dioxide in their cities.

“We are committed to working with them as they deliver legally binding obligations to improve the air we breathe.  

“We are concluding our consideration of Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Plan proposal, but there are no plans to impose pay per mile road charging. 

“We will provide an update shortly.” 

Source – INDIA TV