Car finance in Manchester

Whether you need a car in Manchester depends on where you live and your lifestyle. The city centre, particularly around areas like Deansgate, the Northern Quarter, and Spinningfields, is well-served by public transport, including the Bee Network services, Metrolink trams and buses, so many locals find they don’t need a car for daily commuting. However, if you live in the suburbs, such as Didsbury, Chorlton, or Sale, having a car can give you flexibility when commuting or just nipping to places like the Trafford Centre or for weekend getaways to the Peak District.

Manchester currently doesn’t have a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) and therefore there are no charges for driving on the roads in and around Manchester. However, parking fees are common, especially in the city centre around key spots like Manchester Arndale, Oxford Road, or Piccadilly Gardens. There are also various pay-and-display zones, with charges varying depending on the location and time of day. For example, parking near popular areas like St. Peter's Square or around Old Trafford on match days can be more expensive.

Driving in Manchester can be challenging, especially during peak hours, typically from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Key roads such as the A57(M) Mancunian Way and the M60 ring road often experience congestion, particularly around junctions leading to popular areas like the intu Trafford Centre, MediaCityUK, and the Etihad Stadium. Roadworks are also common, especially in areas like Oxford Road and Deansgate, where major infrastructure projects and cycling lanes are being developed. However, the city is generally well-signposted, and with tools like Google Maps or Waze, you can avoid traffic-heavy routes and navigate easier.