The proposed Clean Air Zone (CAZ) scheme for Manchester has come in for yet more harsh words from our readers this week after it emerged that more than 1,000 stickers would be needed to amend the signs.
A total of 1,194 signs across Greater Manchester have now become out of date because they say the scheme will be introduced on 30 May 2022.
But despite the CAZ now being on hold and the city's authorities having until July 2022 to develop a new plan, many people have been expressing their continued frustrations with the scheme.
Transport bosses have confirmed that although the costs for the stickers correcting the signs will not be covered by the £3 million budget for signs, it will be funded by the government.
One reader remained unconvinced by this, saying: "All costs associated with the new plan, including the essential requirement to update existing signage, will continue to be funded by government...no, it will be funded by the downtrodden taxpayers as usual!"
Another reader commented: " I was worrying my council tax might get wasted on something frivolous but I can rest easy now knowing that it'll be spent 'editing' the CAZ signs."
Let us know your thoughts on the CAZ in the comments section.
Someone else said: " Will they then put stickers on saying not worth bothering with. If a motorist pays a daily fee to travel to Manchester they are still driving in to the centre how does that help pollution."
Despite the continued anger at the CAZ, there are some who are eager for it kick-in, with a Failsworth resident complaining this week about the pollution level outside his house.
A number of readers showed their support for the CAZ in response, with one saying: "The problem is simple...too many selfish people driving alone in a vehicle the size of a 3-piece sofa!"
"If just 10% of the commuters rode a bicycle, the congestion would be reduced immensely."
Another said: "Maybe if public transport was more reasonably priced and more reliable..it just may make people tempted to leave the cars at home."
Someone also added: "If you don't want to pay the CAZ when it comes in, don't drive there."
However, not everyone was sympathetic about the air quality, with one person commenting: "Don't like pollution, don't live alongside a busy road."
Another said: "If you don't like busy roads why buy or rent a property right near one?"
In response, though, another reader replied: "A few people suggesting he moves as if it was that easy. For those who oppose the CAZ, why don't you move away from Greater Manchester?"
The CAZ is something that looks set to continue provoking debate as people who live and work in Manchester wait for clearer news on revised plans for the scheme.
Read more about the CAZ: Burnham brands Boris 'dishonest' and demands 'straight answers' as toxic CAZ dispute rumbles on
Read more about issues in Manchester: "You're all going home to nice warm housing, I'm not": Mayor invited to spend night in 'freezing' flats as he stands firm on rent rise
Click here for the latest headlines from the Manchester Evening News
