Bolton clean sir zone signs cut down

Plans to introduce clear air zones (CAZ) in Bolton fell through last year, but the signs still remain in places where the policy was to be introduced.

The borough has 92 of the CAZ signs installed and although the exact cost is unknown, it is estimated to be £1,309,316 in Greater Manchester, suggesting a figure of £92,000 in Bolton alone.

The plans are currently on pause after residents including taxi drivers in Bolton  voiced anger and staged protests over the proposals, which would have introduced charging for certain vehicles.

Now, pictures show  that some of these signs in Bolton having been damaged.

Henry Lisowski (Image: Henry Lisowski)

The sign on Old Kiln Lane was snapped at the bottom, and the Scout Road sign appeared to be knocked down in March.

Photographer, Henry Lisowski, who captured the images, said: “I noticed the sign this morning on my way up Old Kiln Lane. Although I have heard that other similar signs have also been cut down.

“I travel the same route most days and took a photo of the signs when they first appeared, the sign on Scout Road was cut down last month in March and the latest on Old Kiln Lane must have been in the last few days.”

In December 2021, signs at the Kearsley Roundabout and Bolton Road were defaced with black spray paint.

Henry Lisowski (Image: Henry Lisowski)

A Clean Air GM spokesperson said: "We are aware of the vandalism to a number of Clean Air zone signs in the Bolton area and are working to ensure the damaged signs are made safe.

“Vandalism to any transport infrastructure or road signage is unacceptable and we will be reporting this incident to Greater Manchester Police.”

Taxi drivers in Bolton staged two protests regarding the issue with around 100 vehicles and plenty more cabbies demonstrating outside Bolton Town Hall.

Drivers claimed that the passengers would be the ones paying the price.