First-of-its-kind research on air pollution has revealed that the proposed introduction of an extensive Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in Manchester would deliver “significant health and economic benefits”.
In 2019, 8% of hospital admissions and 15% of all deaths in Manchester were due to respiratory conditions as the underlying cause, but by reducing dangerous levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in key areas, the city stands to gain more than others – including Bristol and Liverpool – due to the wider scope of its CAZ.
Last year, analysis by CBI Economics – which was commissioned by the Clean Air Fund – found that the UK economy could benefit to the tune of £1.6 billion each year if it were to achieve the guidelines set by the WHO for ‘safe’ air quality, and this latest study from the same organisations now shows that the economic benefits that CAZ programme could deliver for key UK cities including Manchester.
Manchester is one of several cities due to implement a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) as part of its response to the UK government’s air quality plan – which requires local authorities to develop a strategy for reducing NO2.
Despite failing to include restrictions for private cars, the city has already gone further than the government stipulates by expanding the target zone to include the full Greater Manchester region, and this new research now suggests that this will “substantially increase economic and health benefits to the city overall” and spread them across a wider area.
A report published today outlines the next steps for the GM Clean Air Plan. Work is under way to analyse consultation responses & carry out impact studies to help shape the final plan.
By also requiring older and more-polluting commercial vehicles to pay to drive through the region’s full administrative boundary, except for strategic roads and motorways, this would reduce nitrogen dioxide levels by significantly more than the average CAZ – which tends to focus on smaller areas in a city centre – and could help to prevent a minimum 160 deaths each year, and save 350 days spent in hospital due solely to NO2 exposure.
This represents around 1% of all Manchester’s deaths, and 4% of deaths associated with respiratory conditions.
The increased days in work and lives saved would inject at least £7.1 million into Manchester’s economy, compared to the £1.5 million projected gain from Liverpool’s CAZ, or £1 million in Bristol.
“For the first time, these numbers give hard evidence that the Clean Air Zone would make Manchester richer and healthier, with its widened focus spreading these benefits across the whole city.” said Jane Burston, Executive Director of the Clean Air Fund.
“This shows the benefits of joined-up thinking on business and health as we build back better.
“The council’s positive vision for clean air is hugely welcome [and] it needs to quickly implement these measures to lock in its own economic and public health gains and show what is possible elsewhere”.
Clean Air Greater Manchester
Damian Waters – North West Director at CBI – added: “Cleaner air within our major cities is an aspiration not only central to improving public health, but also a business-critical issue for firms in Manchester [as] congested city streets are all too common a sight, slowing business operations and ultimately putting people’s health at risk.
“The loss of working hours in Manchester alone runs into the hundreds of thousands.
“Building Back Better must have a green thread running through the very middle of it, [and] that means working together towards reaching our net zero targets and making the most of the economic benefits from lowering air pollution in urban areas”.
Public Health England estimates that between 2017 and 2025, the total cost to the NHS and social care system due to NO2 alone will reach £61 million.
You can find more information via the Clean Air Greater Manchester website here.
Manchester
Hotel Chocolat to open viral chocolate Velvetiser Cafe in Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Hotel Chocolat is set to open a Velvetiser Cafe in Manchester city centre, and it’ll be absolute paradise for chocolate lovers.
The popular chocolate shop, which has stores across the UK selling delicious chocolate bars, boxes and more, is now preparing to branch out in town.
Hotel Chocolat then hit a new level of fame with its Velvetiser, an invention that creates velvety smooth hot drinks at the touch of a button.
They’ve been so popular, Hotel Chocolat is now opening Velvetiser Cafes across the UK – and Manchester is up next.
If it follows in the footsteps of the Meadowhall cafe in Sheffield, visitors will be able to customise their perfect hot chocolate from thousands of combinations.
There are 18 flavours, different milks, and a whole variety of toppings available.
Then you drink can be served hot, over ice, or as a choc shake.
Colourful hoardings for the Hotel Chocolat Velvetiser Cafe have now appeared on Cross Street, just next door to the new Joe & The Juice.
A planning application has also been lodged with Manchester City Council.
All military personnel can travel for FREE on Manchester’s public transport this weekend
Emily Sergeant
All military personnel will be allowed to travel for free across Greater Manchester’s public transport system this weekend.
In case you hadn’t heard, this Saturday 28 June is Armed Forces Day.
Armed Forces Day sees Brits celebrate those who are currently serving troops, their families, serving reservists, veterans, and cadets, and Manchester will also be paying tribute to the hundreds who have ‘fearlessly served’ with day of commemorations in the city centre on Saturday.
Mancunians are expected to line the streets as a parade made up of armed forces personnel, veterans, and cadets will begin a procession that will proudly march through the centre of Manchester, starting in St Peter’s Square at 11:30am.
Manchester will be marking Armed Forces Day 2025 this weekend with a 'poignant' military parade through the city centre. 🎖🥁
You can also expect an afternoon of live performances by the lively Lancashire Army Artillery Band, alongside music hosted by BBC Radio DJ, Michelle Dignan, up until 4pm.
Historic military displays, and stalls from organisations including the NHS, Royal British Legion, and Manchester City Council’s own Armed Forces Covenant, will also be in attendance, as well giving visitors the chance to explore an engaging display of military vehicles, uniforms, artefacts, and personal stories that span the rich legacy of the British armed forces inside a pop-up Military Museum tent.
This year’s Armed Forces Day is also particularly-special because it marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day) which happened on 8 May, and the upcoming Victory over Japan (VJ Day) on 15 August.
All military personnel can travel for free on Manchester’s public transport this weekend / Credit: GMP | Bee Network
And so, in order to honour what an important weekend it is for hundreds in our region, the Bee Network has announced that all military personnel will be allowed to travel for free.
Free travel will be permitted on all Bee Network bus and tram services on both Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 June for any members of the Regular and Reserve Services carrying their MOD90 card, veterans who carry their Veterans’ badge or Veterans’ rail card, and cadets travelling in uniform.
To mark Armed Forces Day, we're offering free travel this weekend (28-29 June) for military personnel and veterans across bus and tram services in Greater Manchester.
“The Armed Forces community makes an invaluable contribution to our society, and we’re showing our appreciation with free travel on Bee Network buses and trams across Greater Manchester this weekend,” commented Danny Vaughan, who is the Chief Network Officer at Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM).
The free travel is part of TfGM’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant – a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served, and their families, are treated fairly.