Hundreds of taxi drivers are expected to congregate on Oxford Street this afternoon (Wednesday) for a protest against plans to turn Greater Manchester into a ‘Clean Air Zone’.
The proposals form part of leaders’ long-term ambition to ‘create a green and prosperous city-region’.
It would involve charging vehicles entering the zone and modernising older vehicles – in a bid to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions by 2024.
Taxi and private hire drivers say they are concerned the cost to change their cars to ‘cleaner vehicles’ will put some people – and firms – out of business.
Karl Warburton, spokesman for the Greater Manchester Taxi Trade Coalition, said modernising vehicles would be ‘financially inhibitive’.
“For us to comply, it will cost each of us £57,000, plus interest,” he claimed.
The group is calling for 30pc to 40pc subsidy levels to help with the cost.
Taxi drivers will meet on Oxford Street, outside the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) offices, at 1pm.
Drivers are being warned of delays across roads in Greater Manchester due to the protest.
Taxi drivers from places such as Wigan, east Manchester, south Manchester, Bolton and Salford will join the protect.
In a statement, Karl said: “We want regular and meaningful consultation. We want a mayoral promise for a trade working group to be fulfilled. We want our voice to be heard and not ignored.
“We also challenge the validity of the justification for a CAZ (Clean Air Zone) given the readings across the DEFRA roadside monitoring stations.
“We believe that we are being targeted as a cohort of affected vehicles unfairly and without any justification.
“The mayor and the GMCA have all expressed their support for a CAZ to the extent that they have requested the inclusion of the Strategic Road Network for statistical NO2 purposes.
“We do not accept our treatment, the lack of accountability and the justification for a CAZ.
“We see ourselves as a vital part of the transport infrastructure of this region even if the authorities do not. And we will fight for that. This demonstration is a shot across the bows of those who choose to ignore our plight.
“We will be heard.”
Article originally appeared on The Manchester Evening News
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