Andy Burnham, the presumed next Prime Minister, has already demonstrated a costly approach to transport policy that should worry drivers and taxpayers alike. While serving as Mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham scrapped the planned Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in 2022, arguing that charging drivers was “not morally defensible.” The decision was popular with motorists, but it came after a staggering £104 million had already been spent on the scheme.
£104 million spent on scrapped scheme
According to reports, the £104 million covered infrastructure including new cameras and road signs installed across the region in preparation for the charging zone. Burnham defended the expenditure, claiming he would “dispute completely” that the cash was wasted, noting that the funding supported infrastructure upgrades and that the ANPR technology had been used by police to “solve serious crimes.”
However, a breakdown reveals that £27 million of the total was spent on financial support, including grants to help drivers upgrade to electric vehicles (EVs). That money was intended to help locals meet a Clean Air Zone target that was never implemented. Additionally, all the 'Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone' signs were binned after the decision, with no possibility of repurposing.
Central government funding, but still taxpayer money
A Clean Air for Greater Manchester spokesperson stressed that all expenditure was funded by the Central Government. While some might argue that the waste is less concerning because it wasn't Manchester's money, this logic fails if similar mismanagement occurs under a Burnham administration at the national level.
Burnham has made clear he opposes daily fees for drivers. This raises questions about the future of pay-per-mile EV fees proposed by Ed Miliband, the Chancellor who wants to push electric car transition. If Burnham axes such fees, history could repeat itself with millions wasted.
What this means for the future
With Burnham potentially entering Downing Street, car expert Luke Chillingsworth warns that drivers should be worried. The £104 million spent on a scrapped scheme is proof that Burnham's transport policies could lead to further waste. When he has his feet under the table, Burnham needs to make decisions fast; otherwise, millions of pounds of waste will seep out the back door.
