Google Maps shows non-existent Clean Air Zone alert

Google Maps shows non-existent Clean Air Zone alert5 minutes agoGeorgie DockerNorth WestGoogle MapsGoogle Maps users looking for a route into Greater Manchester are being warned of a Clean Air Zone which does not exist Motorists planning to drive into Greater Manchester have reported receiving Clean Air Zone (CAZ) charge warnings on Google Maps - four years after proposals to introduce a restricted area in the city were scrapped.After searching for their destination, Google Maps users are given information about a CAZ that has never existed.The alert warns drivers that restrictions are in place all day, every day for taxi and private hire vehicles, with non-complaint vehicles subject to a daily £10 charge. It also contains a link to an article, published in 2021, providing more details about how the scheme.The GREE understands Google is aware of the issue and is rolling out a fix.Google MapsThe CAZ warning shows a ringfence around Greater Manchester, highlighting where the supposed restrictions would have appliedIn 2015, the UK's Supreme Court ordered ministers to take immediate action to cut air pollution.Greater Manchester's response was drawn up in 2019, shortly after a government report proposed the introduction, from 2023, of a daily charge for users of high-polluting buses, lorries and taxis.While some cities - including Birmingham and London - did introduce a charge, there was considerable dissent in Greater Manchester.Plans to introduce a fee were first suspended and then scrapped by the city region's mayor, Andy Burnham.In December 2023, he unveiled an alternative plan to improve air quality, namely by investing in cleaner transport options.This was accepted by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, who indicated the decision on whether to introduce CAZ restrictions was a matter for "local leaders, based on what's best for their local areas".ReutersMore than 1,000 signs outlining the proposed Clean Air Zone in Greater Manchester were removed from July 2025The Google Maps warning reads: "Restrictions are active from Monday to Sunday (00:00-24:00). "Taxi and private hire vehicles with a petrol engine that doesn't meet at least the EURO 4 standard or vehicles with a diesel engine that doesn't meet at least the EURO 6 standard need to pay up to £10 per day to enter."A ringfenced area, highlighting Greater Manchester in blue, displays the proposed CAZ charging zone to Google Maps users.The warning also contains a link to an article first published by Manchester World in 2021 - later updated in 2022 - titled "Seven things you need to know about Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone".The article contains information about CAZ proposals going "back to the drawing board" - and lists vehicles which could be affected by the proposed plans.Manchester World has been contacted for comment.The alert is only being displayed to users setting a route with a starting point outside Greater Manchester.No such warning appears when using other navigation apps such as Apple Maps or Waze.Listen to the best of GREE Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow GREE Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.Other storiesScrapped Clean Air Zone signs removal beginsNo plans for clean air zone charges - ministerRally held against Clean Air Zone charges planMayor rejects driver charges in Clean Air Zone planRelated internet linksClean Air Zone information Manchester City CouncilManchester World: 'Seven Things You Need to Know About Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone'GoogleManchesterAir pollution

Google Maps shows non-existent Clean Air Zone alert

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