Decision details

1. That the factors which have resulted in material updates to baseline modelling scenarios and the need to re-submit an appraisal of GM Investment-led Clean Air Plan, as set out in the report, be noted.

2. That it be noted that the update to the modelling does not alter the conclusion of GM’s December 2023 Submission that GM’s Investment-led Plan performs better than the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) Benchmark.

3.       That it be noted that the revised Investment-led Plan, given the delay to the electrification of Queens Road depot and the removal of the temporary speed limit on the M602, will deliver compliance in the shortest possible time and by 2026 at the latest.

4. That the update to GM’s proposed bus measures that are grounded in the ability of GM to control the emissions standards of vehicles operating on key routes,  having introduced a bus franchising scheme, be noted.

5. That taxi measures remain unchanged be noted.

6. That the progress to put an emission standard in place for licensed taxis, be noted.

7. That the progress to determine highway measures to ensure compliance at Regent Road, Salford and Quay Street, Manchester, as set out in the report, be noted. 

8. That from an equality impacts perspective, the Investment-led Plan would deliver an air quality improvement that benefits individuals with protected characteristics, be noted. And also noted that an air quality improvement is likely to be faster for the Investment led Plan than a CAZ Benchmark due to the former achieving compliance earlier.

9. That it be noted that that the Government be requested to give urgent consideration to agreement to the removal of the 1309 signs installed for a GM-wide category C charging Clean Air Zone across GM and its boundary Authorities, as the appraisal shows that only the Investment-led Plan meets the legal requirement to deliver compliance in the shortest possible time and by 2026 at the latest and therefore the signs are no longer required.

10. That the Investment-led Plan would require an estimated additional £15.2 million of funding versus £61.9 million for a CAZ Benchmark when considering whole life costs, be noted.

11.That it be noted that Local Partnerships have been asked by JAQU to review the Investment led Plan aspects of the GM Appraisal Report (and relevant annexes), focusing on the commercial, financial and management elements.

12. That the Committee agrees to grant delegated authority to the Group Chief Executive, GMCA, GMFRS and TfGM, in consultation with the GM Clean Air Lead, to approve the final submission of material to the Government’s Joint Air Quality Unit and deal with any supplementary requests from the Joint Air Quality Unit in support of the appraisal.

13. That the 2023 GM Clean Air Plan monitoring data indicates that nitrogen dioxide air pollution has seen an overall reduction in nitrogen dioxide exceedances compared to 2022, and a significant improvement to 2019 levels, as set out in the report, be noted.