Vehicle dealers sought for multi-million-pound Clean Air Zone vehicle upgrade scheme

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is seeking vehicle dealers to join the GM Clean Air Plan accredited dealership scheme. More than £120m government funding has been secured to help eligible vehicle owners affected by the introduction of Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Zone on 30 May 2022.

Vehicles included in the category C GM Clean Air Zone are LGVs, HGVs, buses, coaches, minibuses, motorhomes, private hire vehicles and hackney carriages which do not meet emissions standards. Private cars, mopeds and motorcycles are not included in the Zone.

Megan Black, TfGM’s Head of Logistics and Environment, said: “We’re preparing to roll out one of the biggest Clean Air Zones in Europe from next year and this includes the distribution of more than £120m in funding support to help eligible local businesses and drivers to upgrade non-compliant vehicles as soon as possible.

“That’s why we need a network of accredited dealers who supply vehicles of the types that will be affected by the Clean Air Zone, from hackney cabs and private hire vehicles to lorries, vans, minibuses, buses and coaches.

“This isn’t a scrappage scheme, and it’s not open to brokers. We’re looking to work with independent, franchised and manufacturer direct dealerships for both new and used vehicles to help make sure that those eligible for financial support from the scheme can easily upgrade to compliant vehicles. “I’d encourage any dealers who meet our criteria to register their interest now.”

Grants and vehicle finance subsidies will be available for affected vehicle owners and businesses in Greater Manchester from November 2021.

It is free-of-charge to become a financial support scheme-accredited dealership and more information is available at cleanairgm.com/dealerships or by emailing dealerships@cleanairgm.com.