Trams for Derby campaigners ‘left in dark’

The Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA) held public meetings to launch their Trams for Derby campaign. Image by LDRS.

Campaigners looking to bring a tram network across Derby claim they have been “left in the dark” over their proposals.

The Light Rail Transit Association (LRTA) launched its vision to deliver a tram system for the city in April this year.

The organisation believes trams would boost Derby’s economy, reduce pollution and congestion, quicken journey times and give the city a “transformational investment”.

The LRTA suggests the trams could attract approximately 75,000 passenger trips per day, with the majority coming from car users.

If the project went ahead, it would see tram lines covering most of the city’s key gateways including Derby Midland Station, The Wyvern and University of Derby sites.

But at a special conference event setting out the plans, campaigners warned it would likely cost around £550 million to achieve.

The campaign coincided with a huge transport consultation led by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

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

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward launched ‘The Big Transport Conversation’ which allowed public feedback on how the money could be spent across the region.

A new EMCCA report states the consultation saw more than 36,000 people take part.

But David Gibson, LRTA regional officer for the East Midlands, said he has received no information on whether the plans were on track or in the gutter.

He said: “We’ve not had any updates. EMCCA have been very quiet, we’re still waiting for the outcome of the consultation.

“We have been left in the dark so far. It will be nice to get clarity. We are trying to get something.”

An EMCCA transport meeting was held on Thursday (September 17th) to discuss the feedback received.

A report says feedback themed around a “focus on better connecting communities, strengthening public transport and creating a network that supports inclusive growth”.

But it is so far unclear if that means whether a tram network for Derby is under serious consideration.

Ms Ward said the consultation was not about individual projects.

She said: “The Mayor’s Big Transport Conversation was about the evidence, priorities and policies that should shape our long-term transport plan. It was not a consultation on individual schemes, such as a proposed tram network for Derby.

“We know there is strong interest in mass transit across the East Midlands, including trams, light rail and rail. We are working on a region-wide study looking at where different forms of mass transit could work best, helping us build the evidence we need to inform future investment decisions.”

So, how would a tram network work in Derby?

The plans announced by the LRTA centre on four tram lines being 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.

However the proposals, as they stand, would see areas such as Chaddesden and Oakwood unserved.