Remember the controversial Clean Air Zone (CAZ) cameras that started popping up all over Greater Manchester—including right here in Bury?
Well, they’re now being ripped down. No charges were ever brought in. No one paid a penny. And yet, this ill-thought-out scheme has still cost taxpayers millions.
Let’s break it down 👇
❌ What Went Wrong?
The original plan—backed by Labour-run Bury Council and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham—was to charge local van drivers, tradespeople and small businesses up to £60 a day just to drive. That’s in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. While the goal of cleaner air is important, this plan hit the wrong people the hardest.
They signed off on it without:
- Adequate public transport upgrades
- Proper public consultation
- Fair exemptions for working people
- Any understanding of the economic hit for small businesses
Then, after public outrage exploded, they shelved the charging plan in 2022.
But by then, the damage was already done.
💷 The Cost of Failure
This project has wasted over £100 MILLION so far—and counting. Here’s where your money went:
- £3 million on signs
- £29 million on camera installation and operation
- £186,000 just to stick “Under Review” signs over the old ones
- £375,000 per month to keep the useless camera system running
- Now, millions more will be spent removing them
- And we’ll have to pay back £22 million to the government because the plan failed
All of this, while not one vehicle was charged.
🚨 Who’s Responsible?
This was a Labour-led disaster.
It was Andy Burnham’s plan, but Bury Labour backed it every step of the way. They installed cameras on our roads, signed off the contracts, and watched as public opposition grew—without acting.
Even when it was clear the public didn’t want it, they kept wasting your money. And now, they’re quietly taking the cameras down and hoping you won’t notice.
🤔 So What Now?
We all want cleaner air—but this wasn’t the way to do it. This was poor planning, political arrogance, and no accountability.
Instead of investing in clean public transport or insulation schemes, they blew the budget on a surveillance network that never worked.
And now? We’re footing the bill.
📢 It’s time for change in Bury
If you’re tired of Bury Labour wasting your money and dodging responsibility, join Bury Independents in holding them to account. Let’s demand smarter, fairer solutions—not expensive vanity projects that go nowhere.
👉 Make your voice heard. Share this post. Ask your councillor where the money went or even better join us by clicking here and stand to be a councillor at the next local elections in Bury – Because Bury deserves better than this.
