Greater Manchester is making significant progress in delivering its investment‑led, non‑charging Clean Air Plan, with bus fleet electrification, clean taxi upgrades, and targeted local traffic measures rolling out at pace.
An update to the Air Quality Administration Committee this week will confirm the city region is delivering all measures agreed with government to meet legal nitrogen dioxide limits, without introducing a charging Clean Air Zone.
In a further step to enhance public safety, the committee will be asked to approve the transfer of Clean Air ANPR cameras to Greater Manchester Police to help tackle serious crime and keep communities safe – a move backed by nearly 90% of respondents in public consultation.
Backed by £51.1 million of government‑approved Clean Air funding, Greater Manchester is accelerating its transition to a fully electric bus fleet by the end of the decade, by boosting bus depot electrification and delivering 78 additional zero‑emission buses.
These measures keep the Bee Network moving – supporting economic growth while cutting harmful emissions.
A major £8 million Hackney Support Fund has opened to help eligible black cab owners upgrade to cleaner, compliant vehicles:
- 193 applications processed; £1.58 million already committed in non‑repayable grants.
- Supports upgrades to zero‑emission capable models, second‑hand ZECs, or compliant Euro 4 petrol/Euro 6 diesel vehicles.
Greater Manchester is also considering a new fund for private hire vehicle (PHV) licensees to meet emission standards as part of the 2026/27 budget setting.
Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Lead, Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, said:
“We are determined to meet our legal obligations and improve public health for all our residents. Since taking back control of local buses through the transformational Bee Network, we’ve been able to run cleaner and zero-emission buses on routes where they are most needed to improve air quality.
“This is about improving air quality in the right way. Our investment-led approach means we are on track to deliver cleaner air without a charging zone and without placing financial pressure on residents or businesses.
“Through the rollout of new zero-emission buses, alongside grants for black cab drivers to upgrade their vehicles, we’re showing exactly what an investment-led plan can achieve: cleaner air, modern public transport and a fairer approach for local people.”
Targeted interventions are being delivered to reduce NO₂ hotspots and improve traffic flow. These local measures complement region‑wide work to accelerate air quality improvements without charging motorists.
Proposals to transfer Clean Air‑funded ANPR cameras to GMP received high levels of public support, with 89.7% of consultation responses in favour. The camera network, which has already helped to develop and monitor the Clean Air Plan, will strengthen crime‑fighting capability and community safety.
The city region remains fully aligned with legal requirements and on course to meet NO₂ limits through a package of investment and operational changes, rather than a charging zone. The approach prioritises cleaner fleets, smarter traffic management, and targeted vehicle upgrade support – tackling air pollution while supporting residents, businesses and the local economy.
Image credit: iStock
