Metro Mayor Andy Burnham said Manchester is already making progress on decarbonisation through its Metrolink tram system which runs on renewable energy and investment in walking and cycling, but intends to go further.

“The benefits of a carbon neutral transport network are huge – we'll be boosting our health and improving air quality, and at the same time creating better places to live,” he said.

Under the plans, half of the city region’s bus fleet will be electric by 2027 with the remaining portion also becoming electric within 10 years.

Meanwhile Greater Manchester will launch a new bicycle hire trial scheme later this month and is set to introduce the largest clean air zone outside London in May next year, while continuing to upgrade public transport and active travel infrastructure.

Alongside the plans, the Mayor and Manchester’s transport commissioner Chris Boardman are also asking Government to authorise large scale trials of zebra crossing markings on side roads to help improve pedestrian safety and encourage more journeys to be made on foot.

Research published this week by Transport for Greater Manchester indicates that drivers give way to people on foot 65% more often at side roads with zebra markings than at those with no markings. The evidence comes from a two year study consisting of extensive consultation and off road trials followed by two on street trials conducted by Tameside Council.

“Nowhere do you feel more vulnerable than when crossing side roads,” said Chris Boardman. “Not only are side road zebras shown to be effective, they are incredibly practical and cheap to both install and maintain.”

Andy Burnham added he hopes the research will give Government “the confidence to conduct large scale, long term trials”.

Following the publication, several active travel groups and motoring group the AA have also called on the Government to authorise the use of zebra markings on UK side roads. A poll commissioned by walking charity Living Streets shows that 83% of adults would feel more confident crossing the road with zebra markings.

The group’s interim chief executive Stephen Edwards said: “Switching our short car journeys to cleaner modes of transport is vital to achieve net zero, but we know from our work in schools that families are often put off walking because streets don’t feel safe and welcoming.

“Introducing measures like side road zebras into the transport toolkit alongside other crossings will make it easier for families to choose walking.”

AA president Edmund King said: “This proposal could significantly improve road safety not only in Greater Manchester but also in other parts of the UK where pedestrians can be at risk while trying to cross side roads without markings.”