RESIDENTS and business owners across Oldham are being urged to make sure they have their say in two major public consultations.

The comments and views can help shape the plans in Greater Manchester to tackle air pollution as part of efforts to build a green recovery following the pandemic.

Council chiefs say tens of thousands of people have already engaged with the proposals online – with more than 40,000 finding out more about key elements of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and minimum standards for taxis and private hire vehicles licensed in the city-region.

Oldhamers still have until December 3 to get involved in the consultation.

Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and culture Cllr Barbara Brownridge said: “Air pollution continues to affect us all, especially those with health conditions, older people and children.

“Many roads across Greater Manchester have nitrogen dioxide levels that are higher than the legal limit so we need to act now. You wouldn’t drink dirty water so let’s not ask people to breathe dirty air.

“The Clean Air Plan is an important part of our post-pandemic recovery – not a congestion charge. We want bus operators, hackney carriage and private hire drivers to be able to access funding so we have cleaner vehicles on our roads.

“It’s important businesses have their say to help bolster the case so we can develop a plan to ask the government for appropriate funds to make sure people get the support they need.

“Now is not the time for people and businesses to be silent – get involved in the consultation so we can work together on the final plans.”

The clean air consultation asks for views on key elements of the zone, including its proposed boundary, daily charges, discounts and exemptions, and the funding packages to support local businesses to upgrade to cleaner vehicles.

The purpose of the CAZ is to improve air quality by encouraging drivers to upgrade to a cleaner vehicle. Non-compliant vehicles would start paying the proposed daily charge when the Zone launches (expected in spring 2022), with the exception of vans and minibuses, which would start paying in 2023.

The consultation on proposed minimum licensing standards for taxis and private hire vehicles is running in parallel so those in the trade get clarity about the plans and any proposed changes required to their vehicles.

Greater Manchester’s 10 local councils, supported by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), want to see taxi and private hire services deliver a safe and high-quality service, using vehicles that meet high environmental standards.

To complete the consultation questionnaires, visit cleanairgm.com and gmtaxistandards.com.

For support to respond to these consultations or to request copies of the summary documents and questionnaires, please email info@cleanairgm.com or info@gmtaxistandards.com or phone 0161 244 1100.