In case you need bringing up to speed, the Clean Air Zone was to initially hand motorists daily charges of up to £60 for some of the most polluting vehicles on Greater Manchester‘s roads, but many will remember that the deadline for the scheme had been put on hold until while the plan was referred back to the Government for “urgent review” in January of last year, following huge backlash and after then Prime Minister Boris Johnson conceded that it was “completely unworkable” for the region.
The Government agreed to delay the deadline for the scheme until 2026, but local leaders wanted to scrap all charges and help to fund vehicle upgrades instead.
GMCA then set out evidence supporting an investment-led, and, crucially for residents and motorists, a non-charging Clean Air Plan back in June 2022 – which it said was “the best solution” to address the roadside nitrogen dioxide (NO2) problem.
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And now, further details of those plans have been shared with the public this week ahead of a full report being submitted to the Greater Manchester Air Quality Administration Committee – with the committee to be asked to approve the region’s evidence to the Government when it meets on 20 December.
🐝 We've set out a compelling plan to show how Greater Manchester can meet clean air targets with a non-charging approach, investing in:
🚍 Zero-emission electric buses on our @BeeNetwork 🚕 A Clean Taxi Fund 🚦 Better traffic management
According to GMCA’s new modelling, Greater Manchester can bring air quality within legal limits “without the need for” and “faster than” a charging Clean Air Zone.
By building on the launch of the new Bee Network, and using clean air funding already awarded by the Government, Greater Manchester’s proposal includes a £51.2 million investment in zero-emission electric buses for the Bee Network, £30.5 million to fund grants for cleaner taxis, and £5 million for measures to manage traffic flow on some roads in the centre of Manchester and Salford.
Greater Manchester’s preferred plan would mean that no vehicle would be charged to drive in a Clean Air Zone in Greater Manchester.
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“By accelerating investment in the Bee Network to create a London-style integrated public transport network, and upgrading GM-licensed taxis, we can improve air quality faster than if we introduced a Clean Air Zone,” Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham explained.
“And without causing hardship to our residents or businesses too.”
Greater Manchester has published plans for a new non-charging Clean Air Zone / Credit: Ocean Outdoor
He added: “I’d also ask the Government to urgently consider allowing Greater Manchester local authorities to remove charging Clean Air Zone signs.modelling shows that only Greater Manchester’s investment-led plan can meet the legal test placed on the 10 councils to deliver compliance in the shortest possible time and by 2026 at the latest.”
GMCA insists that once it’s had full formal Government feedback on the Clean Air Plan, following the submission of this additional evidence, it will “consider timescales” for a public consultation on the plan, so local residents can have their say.
In the meantime, you can read more about the new Clear Air Plan here.
Featured Image – The Manc Group
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Limited 10k places left as Great Manchester Run half marathon sells out once again
Danny Jones
The AJ Bell Great Manchester Run half marathon has officially sold out yet again for 2025, with just a small number of 10k places left.
With thousands of Mancs and visitors to the region having earned themselves glory at this year’s Manchester Marathon, attention has already turned to the next big event: the Great MCR Run.
Returning for its 22nd year, AJ Bell is bringing the Great Manchester Run back to the city and while tickets for the longest distance may have been snapped up as per, anyone debating taking on the 10k still has time to get their bib through the post.
Go on, you know what want the finish line feeling – not to mention a shiny new medal to score some well-deserved free pints on the day.
Yes, while spaces on the Great Manchester Run have already sold out in no time, there are are now less than 500 still left to grab for the 10k.
The question is, will you be one of them?
Final entries are available for £45 but there are also a select few charity places for anyone who backs themself to raise enough money before race day.
Taking place on Sunday, 18 May, with the first runners getting underway from approximately 8:10am, you’ve not got long to decide whether you want to be part of the action.
It’s worth also worth noting that if you missed out on the half marathon this year but fancy giving the next one a go, you can set a reminder for 2026 entries now.
One final thing: last minute Great Manchester Run entrants for the 10k must be aged 15 and over; a booking fee of £2.50 per entry will also applied at checkout.
Beyond that, provided you’ve got the training under your belt/you already a solid fitness base, the only thing that’s left to do is get ready for the starting gun. You can even take part in the official shake-out run, if you fancy it.
See you for the post-race pints and hopefully some PB showboating!
Say hello to the Official AJ Bell Great Manchester Run Shakeout with @Mitchum – powered by Manchester Run Club 🏃♂️⚡
📍 Great Northern Square 🗓️ 8:30AM | Saturday 17th May 🏃♂️ 5km route
Five retired GMP officers arrested following investigation into sexual exploitation of a girl in the 1960s
Emily Sergeant
Five retired police officers have been arrested as part of an investigation into the sexual exploitation of a girl in Manchester in the 1960s.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that the arrests were made after months of detailed enquiries to identify suspects from allegations made by a woman – who was younger than 16 at the time when the offending began.
Some of the offenders are believed to be officers from a dedicated unit that worked to safeguard sex workers in Manchester at the time, according to GMP.
Three of the arrests were made after warrants were executed in Bolton, Bury, and Trafford last month, while the other two suspects were arrested this month.
The suspects – who are each between the ages of 73 and 81 – have been questioned on suspicion of sexual offences and misconduct, and at this time, GMP says they are on conditional bail as police enquiries continue.
We’ve arrested five retired GMP officers as part of an investigation into the sexual exploitation of a girl in Manchester in the 1960s.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 6, 2025
The victim involved is also being continuously supported by specialist officers and partner agencies throughout the investigation.
GMP said in a statement of intent that ‘no matter when abuse has taken place’ and ‘no matter who by’ either, the force is there to listen to and support victims, and take necessary action.
“We commend the woman’s courage for coming forward and supporting this investigation,” commented Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker said.
“We do not underestimate how difficult it is for her to relive details of this horrendous abuse decades on from the time it was happening, and I’m sure the public will be as troubled as I am that five former officers are suspected of being involved in the abuse of a woman when she was a vulnerable child and adult who needed their protection.”
Five retired GMP officers have been arrested following an investigation into the sexual exploitation of a girl in the 1960s / Credit: RawPixel
ACC Parker insisted that ‘no abuser is immune from justice’ and ‘time is no barrier’.
She continued: “The GMP of today is absolutely committed to ensuring victims are listened to and supported, regardless of who’s committed these offences and how long ago it occurred.
“Our investigation will go to all necessary lengths to uncover the full facts of these allegations and to ensure any offenders are rightly brought to justice.”
Anyone affected by this case, or who may have any relevant information, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting ‘Op Salvador’.
Emily Sergeant -
13th December 2023 
