Report of the Deputy Chief Executive

This report provides an update on progress in the preparation of a Greater Manchester wide feasibility study (Clean Air Plan) into the options available to address Nitrogen Dioxide exceedances, and to outline a broad direction of travel in relation to next steps and decision-making.

The Committee considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive that provided an update on progress in the preparation of a Greater Manchester wide feasibility study (Clean Air Plan) into the options available to address Nitrogen Dioxide exceedances, and to outline a broad direction of travel in relation to next steps and decision making.

The Executive Member for the Environment, Planning and Transport referred to the main points and themes within the report which included: -

·         A description of the air quality in Greater Manchester;

·         The impact of poor air quality and the case for change;

·         Policy background;

·         UK Air Quality Plans; and

·         The options for consideration by Greater Manchester and the direction of travel.

Some of the key points that arose from the Committee’s discussions were: -

·         The Committee were unanimous in their disappointment in receiving the report late, commenting that it was important for both Members and citizens of the city to receive information in a timely manner;

·         Members fully supported the ambition of the plan to improve air quality, noting the significant health outcomes poor air quality had on the residents of Manchester;

·         The Mayor of Greater Manchester should take immediate action to regulate the bus fleet;

·         The plan needed to address diesel trains, the impact of motorways and diesel vehicles used at the airport site;

·         The plan should not be used to penalise the poorest residents across GM, especially those with poor public transport links;

·         An appropriate vehicle scrappage scheme was required;

·         More needed to be done to address the issue of polluting taxi’s trading within the city who were not licensed by Manchester;

·         The report did not mention or offer any target to address particulate matter, noting the associated health risks;

·         HGVs should not be driven through the city during rush hour;

·         Impact Assessments needed to be undertaken regarding clean air zones, with particular consideration given to self-employed people;

·         Consideration needed to be given to adopting the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on planning; and

·         More monitoring of air quality in wards needed to be undertaken.

Councillor Paul, Chair of the Air Quality Task and Finish Group provided the Members with an overview of the work undertaken by the Task and Finish Group that had concluded with 17 recommendations. He commented that the EU targets for air quality were very challenging however it was important to meet these, noting that the targets set by the World Health Organisation were even more challenging, and did include specific targets in relation to particulate matter. He stated that the information provided to residents needed to be accurate and not misleading, commenting that the offer of free weekend parking in the city centre gave a mixed message when the intention was to increase the use of public transport as a means of travel and reduce the number of journeys undertaken by car. He further advised the Committee that Friends of the Earth provided testing kits and provided analysis for a very modest fee.

The Head of City Policy informed the Members that the Committee would have the opportunity to consider and comment upon the outline business case when this was available and a full consultation exercise with residents would be undertaken. The Chair recommended that when the business case was presented to the Committee both the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Chris Boardman were to be invited to attend and contribute to the discussion.

The Executive Member for the Environment, Planning and Transport welcomed the comments from the Committee on this important area of work. She said this work was very complex and Manchester was working closely with the other nine authorities to ensure the final plan was appropriate and complemented other strategies. She said that work was also underway with health partners and Transport for Greater Manchester to develop the plan, noting that responsibility for the motorway network remained with central government.

Decision

The Committee recommend that when the outline business case is submitted for consideration that the Mayor of Greater Manchester and the Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Chris Boardman be invited to attend and contribute to the discussion.