Transport - Progress in Nottingham
13th September 2003
Nottingham’s Local Transport Plan is regarded as one of the best in the country and the city receives millions for integrated transport measures when the Tory Gov’t only gave capital money for new roads.
The City Council has submitted its third annual progress report; again good progress towards meeting the Plan’s objectives and targets is being made. This good progress is in the context of strong economic performance, particularly of the City Centre, and also significant progress in reducing unemployment across Greater Nottingham. Employment is growing at a faster rate than the national average, yet traffic levels have not increased. Highlights include –
Traffic down
Reductions of traffic flows of 1.3% over the Greater Nottingham area.
Tram due and new tram lines sought
Line One begins early next year and will transform people’s experience of public transport in the city’s Bulwell corridor.
Consultation has led to the selection of two further routes.
Bus patronage up
Bus patronage up again; 1% this year, on top of a 2.5% increase last year and 3% the year before.
New bus lanes and shelters
More bus lanes, the mtce. of over 600 new bus shelters and a new demand responsive bus service in Sherwood and Mapperley.
Improving the railways
Patronage on the Robin Hood Line continues to grow (faster than any other Central Trains line); plans being developed for new signalling, more train paths through and to Nottingham station; and a new plan for the station.
Pay and display meters
On-street parking charges have been introduced in the City Centre, freeing up spaces for shoppers and visitors. The meters are run by batteries, topped up by daylight.
Enforcing parking regulations
The City Council now enforces parking regulations; collecting fines to pay for more wardens means better disciplined traffic, and clearer footpaths for pedestrians.
Priority for people in the city centre
a Clear Zone for the city centre and the new Southern Relief Route to anticipate the closure of Collin Street as part of the redevelopment of the Broad Marsh centre.
Home Zones, clearer air
Home zones in Clifton, West Bridgford and Beeston, 22 more local road safety scheme, improved cycle facilities and air quality management zones designated for three parts of the city.
Cycle Route
More cycle paths and improvements to existing routes.
More highway restoration work
to a higher standard than before; more work being done on footpaths (at 55 locations across the city) and thousands of new lighting columns.
Digital speed cameras succeed
In the City, the UK’s first Digital Speed Cameras have been installed - with a much reduced rate of killed and serious injuries in the area since the project started.
And in Nottingham, Labour are developing radical policies like the Workplace Parking Levy – a new tax on the free subsidy to commuters who park their cars at work (a subsidy that those who walk, cycle or use the bus don’t benefit from); raising a new revenue stream to support more bus, train & tram services, and more road repairs.
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