More than £7m will be spent in Derby and Nottingham on measures to improve public transport, reduce congestion and better connect the two cities following a successful bid to the Department for Transport.
As well as improving links between the two cities, schemes will use new technology to support connections to employment sites and other areas of growth, while enhancing the experience for public transport passengers and upgrading facilities for walkers and cyclists.
Projects include:
- New bus priority at five key junctions along the A52
- Smart cameras that will collect data on key routes to improve journey reliability and reduce congestion for all traffic
- New cycling route from Derby toward Nottingham along the former Spondon Canal
- Expansion of current bike hire scheme in Derby and support for a new cycle hire scheme in Nottingham
Bus passengers will benefit from more screens providing real time travel information, as well as the ability to pay for Robin Hood tickets through their smart phones, while tram passengers will be able to use contactless payment at ticket machines.
The funding will also support new electric charge points at park and ride sites, an extension of the Derby ebike scheme and the introduction of a similar scheme in Nottingham.
In addition, walking and cycling routes will be upgraded, including work to reduce pinchpoints on the Beeston Canal towpath.
The funding follows a joint bid by Nottingham and Derby City Councils to DfT’s Transforming Cities Fund, which aims to encourage growth through investment in sustainable transport.
Councillor Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “The Transforming Cities fund is all about making it easier for people to get around, opening up new job opportunities and supporting our aim to keep Nottingham moving.
“With this funding we’ll be able to make improvements for walkers, cyclists, public transport users and motorists too.
“We’re working closely with Derby City Council to provide a seamless integrated transport network that’s efficient, easy to use and supports local business growth and our regional economy.”
Councillor Chris Poulter, Leader of Derby City Council said: “This is excellent news for our two cities, and this funding will build on the significant investment already made towards the development of our ambitions for a fully integrated, greener and healthier strategic infrastructure plan for Derby.
“As a council, we are committed to improving air quality, cutting carbon emissions and making all sustainable transport in the city more accessible and more attractive to people.
“We very much look forward to continuing to work closely with Nottingham City Council, transport providers and partners to improve connectivity around the region.”
Announcing the funding, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “Technology is at the heart of our future economic success, and the great cities of the Midlands Engine are leading the way in this space.
“Our investment in the region will bring the transport systems needed to deliver a prosperous future for residents and businesses.”
Nottingham and Derby City Councils were awarded the full amount of funding bid for – £7.2m.