TfGM to launch low-emission vehicle funding platform

Greater Manchester is set to launch a digital platform enabling businesses and commercial vehicle operators to apply for government support to buy low emission vehicles.

The Financial Support Scheme is due to launch in November, ahead of the introduction of the Greater Manchester clean air zone (CAZ) anticipated on May 30, 2022.

The new service will enable any Greater Manchester business to check eligibility for, and access to, grants and subsidised finance to upgrade their vehicle or fleet.

TfGM said the process is fully automated - businesses are required to enter their details to check their eligibility, before being presented with funding options from approved lenders and brokers.

Councillor Andrew Western, Greater Manchester lead for clean air, said: “As a city region, we are committed to tackling air pollution, which is the biggest environmental public health issue facing the city-region and contributes to around 1,200 deaths in Greater Manchester alone each year.

“That’s why we have developed a Clean Air Plan that not only helps us meet government requirements on nitrogen dioxide air pollution, but also delivers the funding support for those businesses, individuals and organisations who need to upgrade their vehicle to become compliant.”

Greater Manchester has secured more than £120m government funding to help local businesses, people and organisations to upgrade to cleaner vehicles, so they can travel in within the CAZ without incurring a daily charge.

Greater Manchester has begun installing cameras and signage ahead of the launch of its CAZ.

TfGM will be working with QV Systems to build the eligibility funding platform. The service is built on QV Systems’ Acclerate technology, the end-to-end system for automotive lending, leasing, and financing used by car manufacturers, brokerages and automotive lenders.

Western added: “We are looking forward to working with QV Systems to help us deliver the plan, improve the quality of our air and ensure Greater Manchester continues to be a healthy, sustainable and happy place to grow up, get on and get old.”

Daniel Layne, founder and chief executive officer at QV Systems, said: “For local authorities, the challenge is how to help businesses access government funding.

“Greater Manchester has shown how proven technologies like Accelerate enables them to deliver these projects successfully within short timeframes, and to start delivering cleaner, healthier cities for all.”