Trams for Derby campaign

Paul Rowan, chair of the Light Rail Transit Association, believes Derby should have a tram network. Image by LDRS.

A campaign has been launched to bring “transformational” trams back to Derby for the first time in almost a century.

The Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA) started the engine running on its major plan to deliver a tram system across the city – but it would likely cost hundreds of millions of pounds to achieve.

The body held two public events on Thursday 16th April 16, urging people to get behind the plans.

Campaigners believe having a tram network would boost Derby’s economy, reduce pollution and congestion, quicken journey times and give the city a “transformational investment”.

They told audiences they want the city to follow in Nottingham’s footsteps – as well as Birmingham and Coventry – in creating a successful and modern transport system.

The LRTA believes a new tram network for Derby could attract approximately 75,000 passenger trips per day, with the majority coming from car users.

Four tram lines would be built across the city, should such a scheme take off.

Line 1 would run from The Wyvern, via Pride Park, Derby Midland Station, the city centre, and the former Great Northern alignment to Kingsway, before forming a loop serving the Royal Derby Hospital, Mickleover, and Mackworth.

Line 2 would connect with Line 1 at Derby Midland Station, follow the Birmingham railway corridor, and serve the Rolls-Royce Sinfin site, Infinity Park, Shelton Lock, Chellaston, Boulton Moor, Alvaston, and Raynesway, before reconnecting with Line 1 at The Wyvern.

Line 3 would branch from Line 1 at Willow Row, run through the West End to the University of Derby sites in the Markeaton area, serve the Kedleston Road campus, and continue to a loop around Allestree.

Line 4 would run from The Wyvern and connect with Nottingham Express Transit (NET) at Toton Lane, serving Spondon, Borrowash, Draycott, Breaston and Long Eaton.

But at the conference meeting, which aimed to inform decision-makers and members of the public about the vision, it was announced that the scheme would cost around £550 million to deliver.

It added that the proposals, as they stand, would see areas such as Spondon, Chaddesden and Oakwood unserved.

The LRTA hopes major funding would be provided by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMMCA) but this is far from guaranteed.

It was announced last year that EMMCA secured up to £2 billion through the Government’s new ‘Transport for City Regions Fund’.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said it was “the largest transport investment our region has seen in a generation”.

Paul Rowan, chair of the LRTA, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): “If you look at the city now [there’s] congestion and it will get people out of their cars.

“It will provide a modern, fast and reliable system with none of the health disadvantages that other modes of transport bring.”

Mr Rowan was asked if the plan was a dream or actually a realistic vision.

He added: “It can be a reality. We are very close to Nottingham.

“You can see what benefits Nottingham has derived both in terms of jobs, economic development and better environment through their transport system. I believe Derby would benefit in exactly the same way. ”

The LRTA’s proposal has been supported by national organisation Campaign for Better Transport.

A 14-mile tram network ran through Derby in the early decades of the 1900s, operating for 30 years.

By the end of the 1920s the city was changing, with the growth of suburbs and the increased use of motor vehicles.