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Financial support for Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone now open

HGV owners affected by the city region’s forthcoming Clean Air Zone can now apply for financial support to help them upgrade their vehicle, with funding set to be extended to van owners in January.


Under the new Clean Air Zone, HGVs, vans, buses, coaches, minibuses, cabs, private hire vehicles and motor-caravans that do not comply with minimum air quality standards will be charged a daily penalty.

Non-compliant HGVs will be charged £60 per day starting 30 May 2022, while vans will be charged £10 per day starting June 2023.

Greater Manchester has been awarded £120 million of government funding to help eligible businesses, organisations and people to move to cleaner, compliant vehicles. The financial support scheme opened on 30 November for HGV owners, with up to £12,000 available for vehicle replacements. The scheme will be extended to light goods vehicles (vans) in January 2022.

The funding will initially be targeted to support micro-businesses, self-employed people, sole traders, charities, social enterprises and private owners. Subject to available funding, a second round will then open to all eligible vehicle owners, including small businesses.

Businesses are being urged to prepare by visiting the online checker tool to find out whether their vehicles meet the required standards and whether they are eligible to apply for financial support. 

GC Business Growth Hub has also launched a new service to help businesses, sole traders and self-employed people understand their options. A dedicated enquiry team is on hand to provide advice on vehicle compliance and how to minimise the financial impact.

Greater Manchester Lead for Clean Air, Cllr Andrew Western, said:

“Financial support is being offered to as many affected vehicle owners as possible to help them move to cleaner vehicles so they don’t have to pay a daily charge. I’d encourage HGV owners to use the online checker to see if they are affected and find out more about their options as soon as possible.

“We also want to be clear – this scheme is not designed to make a profit and Greater Manchester is seeking to put any money raised back into the Financial Support Scheme to help others to upgrade, as soon as possible.”

For more support and guidance visit www.cleanairbusinesssupport.co.uk

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