The introduction of the Greater Manchester's Clean Air Zone next year is set to have an impact on High Peak residents and businesses. 

From 30 May 2022, commercial vehicles including vans, HGVs, hackney cabs, private hire vehicles, buses, coaches and some specialist vehicles that don’t meet emission standards will have to pay a daily charge to drive in the Zone. 

Private car, motorbikes and mopeds are not included in the scheme and will not have to pay the charge. 

As signs and cameras are installed, High Peak Borough Council says it wants to help raise awareness of the proposals aimed at improving health by reducing air pollution from commercial road traffic. 

Councillor Anthony Mckeown, HPBC leader, said: “Whilst the planned charging Zone itself covers Greater Manchester, it will affect High Peak residents too with recent updates to the scheme confirming that all roads from the High Peak into Greater Manchester will be covered by the scheme. 

“Although people will start to see the signs and cameras being installed in readiness for the start of the scheme, High Peak residents who drive private cars, motorbikes and mopeds don’t need to worry – the charging scheme will only apply to commercial vehicles.” 

The Zone will operate all day every day and includes most local roads in Greater Manchester, with the exception of motorways. 

Ahead of its introduction, local businesses are being urged to check if their commercial vehicles meet the clean air standards by checking their registration online at https://cleanairgm.com/clean-air-plans/#vehicle-checker 

Cllr Mckeown added: “At the moment, and despite lobbying by ourselves and the highways authority Derbyshire County Council, there is no funding available to help High Peak businesses, other than bus operators who work across the border, to upgrade their vehicles. 

“We would be keen to hear from businesses who may be affected and who are worried about their overheads. You can email regeneration@highpeak.gov.uk if you think this applies to you.” 

People can find out more about the Clean Air Zone and proposals at https://cleanairgm.com/ 

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