Agenda item

Committee to receive a presentation on the Clean Air Plan

The Committee received a presentation updating on the Greater Manchester Clean Air Final Plan detailing the process as follows:

·         Responses to consultation (8^th October 2020 – 3^rd December 2020) including the current position in relation to Minimum Licensing Standards

·         Covid-19 impact on air quality in Greater Manchester.

Key elements of the proposed and the final proposed GM Clean Air Zone were highlighted within the presentation, support measures, Governance process and the proposed forward timeline.

A discussion took place in which the following issues and responses were made:

·         If Government funding is not made available, do we still have to go ahead with the measures?  The Committee was advised that central government have stated that funding would be made available in November 2021, subject to approval from all 10 Local Authorities and then central Government. 

·         Do the standards apply on the Highways Agency? Is there any indication that there will be a legal obligation?  The Committee was advised that this was an ongoing debate by the Highways Agency and that monitoring would still be carried out across Greater Manchester by the use of diffusion tubes to ensure compliance is achieved on the Strategic road network managed by the Highways Agency.

·         Is the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) a temporary measure? Is there a time-line?  Do we know when we will be able to come out of it? Can charging continue if we fall below the WHO limit? The Committee was advised that this question would be put to the Steering Group and a response communicated to Committee Members. The response indicated that the CAZ will be operational until at least 2026 and then progress reviewed to ensure NOx levels are reduced over a longer period.   

·         Roadworks – Will there be a limit to the number of roadworks that cause blockages to the flow of traffic?  The Committee was advised that this is considered as part of the permissions and planning process by TfGM but they have limited powers.

·         Charging points – Have they been included?  The Committee was advised that charging points and the infrastructure is provided from a number of different funding sources that complement the Clean Air Plan.

·         Can we include the installation of Charging points from domestic and business proposals in the planning process?  The Committee was advised that it was hoped that this would be included in the planning process.

·         Following enquires around the consultation process, in relation to Minimum Licensing Standards (MLS), the Committee was advised that Oldham had received the lowest returns response to the consultation process which had not been supportive of the proposals due to fears of the effects.  The public had been supportive of the proposals.

·         Checks on taxis etc, will they take place?  It was confirmed that subject to funding, checks will be in place.

·         Why wait until November 2021?  Is there any way that the Council could fund and then reclaim as, there will be end of life vehicles coming off the road currently?  It was suggested that this approach may be considered in conjunction with GMCA

RESOLVED – That the Policy Overview and Scrutiny Committee endorses the Clean Air Plan and Strategy.