Greater Manchester's Cancelled Clean Air Zone Cost Exceeds £100 Million

Greater Manchester's abandoned Clean Air Zone has incurred costs exceeding £104 million, despite never being implemented. The scheme, which faced significant public backlash leading to its cancellation in 2022, aimed to charge polluting vehicle drivers up to £60 daily. Mayor Andy Burnham insists that this funding was not wasted, arguing that it has contributed to air quality improvements through investments in electric buses and a robust enforcement camera network. The government has covered these costs, but the initial plan expected to generate revenue from the proposed charges. Recently, a revised 'investment-led' approach was approved, focusing on cleaner transport solutions without imposing charges on motorists. The total spending includes approximately £375,000 monthly for enforcement cameras and other operational costs related to the now-defunct scheme.