Greater Manchester CAZ consultation

Greater Manchester is now considering the opinion of drivers and owners of campervans who submitted their views on what vehicle categories should be included in the city’s new Clean Air Zone (CAZ).

The Greater Manchester CAZ is expected to come into force in May 2022, with charges for vehicles that don’t meet specific emissions standards, and Transport for Greater Manchester recently sought the opinion of campervan and motorhome owners on vehicle classifications.

Because of DVLA classifications, some campervans and motorhomes would be liable and some wouldn’t, so Greater Manchester asked for opinions on whether M1 /M1 Special Purpose category vehicles should be included along with N1 or N2 vehicles (which includes some motorhomes).

Currently, vehicles registered as ‘motor caravans’ on the body type and with Euro 6 emissions standards are compliant and would not be charged. However, N1 motor caravans under 3,500kg will see a temporary exemption until the end of May 2023, but will have a to pay a daily charge of £10 to drive within the zone. Meanwhile, N2 motor caravans over 3,500kg will need to apply for the £60 daily charge to be reduced to £10.

When the Low Emission Zone in London was established, the scheme specifically included campervans and motorhomes.

Greater Manchester lead for Clean Air, Councillor Andrew Western, said, “We listened to what leisure vehicle owners told us during the Clean Air Plan consultation last year. Amongst other things, they highlighted the disparity between some motorhome-type vehicles being included in the Clean Air Zone, while others are not. We are aiming to ensure that all motorhomes and campervans – that may look similar and give off similar emissions – are treated equally, regardless of administrative vehicle categories.”