AN Oldham MP has hit out at ministers for the lack of zero emission buses making it onto the road. Despite promises of 4,000 green buses 18 months ago, only 50 zero emission buses have so far made it onto the road.

MP for Oldham West and Royton Jim McMahon, who is also the shadow transport secretary, has called for the government to take action and fulfil their promises to reduce the number of diesel buses.

It comes after Greater Manchester confirmed it will push ahead with a Clean Air Zone that will see drivers of heavily polluting vehicles hit with daily charges.

Vans, buses, coaches, taxis, private hire vehicles and lorries that fail to meet emission standards would be affected by the plans from May 30, 2022.

Heavy goods vehicles, buses and coaches would need to pay £60 a day to drive within the zone, with vans paying £10 and taxi and private hire vehicles paying £7.50.

In response to the lack of green buses, Mr McMahon said: “This is just the latest in a long line of examples of the government talking a good game yet failing to deliver.

“While we’re still waiting for the promised 4,000 zero emission buses, cuts to bus services and rising ticket costs will push more people into using more polluting forms of transport.”

Latest figures show that bus prices have gone up an average of 16 per cent in just one year.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has previously said that “catching a bus in Harpurhey in Greater Manchester should cost the same as catching the bus in Haringey, in London.”

The former costs around £4 while in London the fare would be £1.50.

Mr McMahon added: “The decade ahead is crucial. We must grow modern industries such as manufacturing electric vehicles to build a long-term economy that provides good jobs and is fit for the future.”

A Department for Transport spokesperson said:“ Since February 2020 we have made funding available for 900 zero emission buses, and 50 of these buses are already on the road. We’re committed to introducing 4,000 zero emission buses and achieving an all zero emission bus fleet.

“As set out in our bus strategy, we will provide £120m to support up to 500 zero emission buses between now and March 2022. This is on top of £50m for the first All Electric Bus Town or City."