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Manchester Clean Air Zone

Class CCancelled

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Zone overview

Greater Manchester's Clean Air Zone was originally planned as a Class C zone covering the entire Greater Manchester area. It was due to launch in 2022 but was deferred and ultimately cancelled following significant opposition from businesses and residents. The ten Greater Manchester councils voted to abandon the scheme. Instead, the region is pursuing alternative measures to reduce air pollution, including investment in public transport and vehicle upgrade grants.

Zone type

Class C

Status

Cancelled

Zone boundaries

The proposed zone would have covered the entire Greater Manchester area, including Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Bolton, and Wigan.

Proposed charges

Vehicle typeDaily charge
CarsN/A — zone cancelled
LGVs & vansN/A — zone cancelled
Taxis & PHVsN/A — zone cancelled
HGVs, buses & coachesN/A — zone cancelled

How to check if your vehicle is compliant

Since the Manchester Clean Air Zone was cancelled, there is no compliance requirement. However, you can still check your vehicle's Euro emission standard on our homepage — useful if you plan to drive in other UK cities with active Clean Air Zones.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a Clean Air Zone in Manchester?

No. The proposed Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone was cancelled. The ten GM councils voted to abandon the charging scheme following widespread opposition. There are currently no plans to introduce a CAZ in Manchester.

Why was the Manchester CAZ cancelled?

The scheme faced significant opposition from businesses, taxi drivers, and residents who argued it would impose unaffordable costs. Rising vehicle prices after COVID and supply chain issues also made it harder for people to upgrade to compliant vehicles. The councils ultimately decided to pursue alternative air quality measures.

Will Manchester ever get a Clean Air Zone?

There are no current plans to reintroduce a charging CAZ in Manchester. The region is instead investing in public transport improvements, EV charging infrastructure, and vehicle upgrade grants to reduce pollution without road charges.

Other UK Clean Air Zones

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