Manchester City Centre drivers may be forced to drive as slow as 10mph
It's part of the councils plans to help tackle air pollution on some key routes - an alternative to a Clean Air Zone charge
Last updated 26th Jan 2024
Some roads in Manchester City Centre may force drivers to go as slow as 10mph - if new plans to help tackle air pollution go ahead.
Speed bumps and other measures, on roads which lead on to Quay Street, will make sure drivers can only go a certain speed.
It's part of plans to get more people using public transport and avoid a Clean Air Zone charge.
When he launched his proposal on a non-charging zone, Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham said: "We do need to see a change here, that we saw in London as public transport improved, where people don't think anymore that the best option is to drive right through the city centre.
"We want public transport to be the first choice for people coming into our city centre. We've got to do what we need to do, to achieve compliance, and that is to improve the flow of those key routes coming through."
A spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: "The Council is committed to hitting clean air targets and supports an investment-led approach. Improvements in air quality will be achieved by investment in zero-emission buses and taxis with the need for supporting interventions at persistent exceedance locations on Regent Road and in the Quay Street area.
"To address these exceedances, we would - through consultation - look at ways to introduce low-traffic, low-speed usage of these streets. The measures may differ by location, but are likely to include signing, surface treatments and urban realm improvements. The aim of this measure is for drivers to perceive these roads as low speed and low capacity and therefore avoid them unless necessary.
"However, the Council would underline its commitment to hitting clean air targets and working with partners across Greater Manchester to develop sustainable transport solutions."