Agenda item

Report and Presentation of Director of Planning and Transport

Chris Carter, Transport Strategy Service Manager, presented a report on preparing for the tram in Clifton, highlighting the following points:

(a)  the new tram lines will go out to Clifton and to Chilwell, and there will also be increased frequency on the existing line as far as Bulwell. The new park and ride in Clifton will have 1,500 spaces;

(b)  there is a new transport hub at Nottingham Train station, with fantastic opportunity for direct connections across the city;

(c)  the majority of bus routes in Nottingham are run commercially. Whilst it is unknown how these existing bus routes may be affected by the new tram lines, Nottingham City Council has not yet received notice from any bus company wishing to alter their service;

(d)  the Link bus services are run by the City Council, and are designed to fill in any gaps in other transport provision. After the tram has opened, an analysis will take place of where any new gaps may be, and if any previous gaps have been filled, with a view to directing the Link service coverage where it is needed most;

(e)  the new tram lines will be part of the Kangaroo integrated ticketing system. Currently, transport operators set fares, and set a premium cost on integrated ticketing. Additional transport powers may be awarded to Councils as part of proposed devolution which may affect ticket prices, but there are currently commercial restrictions on pricing;

(f)  there are parallel cycling and pedestrian facilities along large sections of the tram line, and there will be a cycle hire hub at the Clifton park and ride site;

(g)  the rural section of the A453 should be open in June or July 2015.

Following questions, comments and discussion from the Committee, Chris provided the following additional information:

(h)  the 48 and 11 bus services which share part of their route with the new tram line are both commercially operated. Nottingham City Council has no control over whether they will continue to operate with the same frequency or route once the tram is open, this will depend on the demand for the services. Whilst bus services provision from commercial operators is at the operators’ discretion, there is potentially sufficient demand to sustain both services. There is minimal overlap of the 11 services with the new tram route, as the 11 also serves residents in Lady Bay;

(i)  there is no fence between pedestrians and the trams on the Wilford toll bridge, as it operates on a similar principle of separation as a road and pavement. It is not anticipated that this will cause any issues, but safety of pedestrians on the bridge will be monitored closely;

(j)  Nottingham City Council is working closely with Peddles (a cycling advocacy group) regarding cyclists using the Wilford toll bridge safely. Collisions between cyclists and pedestrians are statistically very rare, and analysis of previous collisions reveals that they are usually the fault of the pedestrian. Often cyclists travel very close to pedestrians, which can cause fear and alarm with the pedestrian, even though no collision takes place and the cyclist believes there to be enough space to pass safely;

(k)  the new tram lines are both in the final stages of testing. An exact date for the tram opening is not known;

(l)  motorists will be encouraged to use the safe and secure park and ride site, rather than block side streets or residential streets. If parking in residential areas becomes a problem after the tram opens, then the City Council can investigate permit schemes and traffic management. Parking surveys have not taken place in advance of the tram opening, as the only evidence required for further investigation is evidence of a parking problem, rather than evidence of a change in problem levels, therefore a “before and after” style survey is not required to deal with any issues;

(m)  parking restrictions in the main shopping area and around Clifton Cornerstone have not been enforceable while works have been completed. They soon will be, and tickets will be issued;

(n)  regular lobbying of transport operators takes place to encourage them to accept bikes on trams or buses. Some operators nationally have trialled such schemes, but in general there has been resistance to such schemes from operators;

(o)  there is a network of CCTV along the tram route and at all stops, which will provide wide coverage from many angles;

(p)  Chris will find out of there is any intention of bringing back the number 53 bus service, which previously served residents on Summerwood Lane. A number of elderly residents in the area relied on and enjoyed the service;

(q)  being an age-friendly City is an important priority for Nottingham City Council. Subsidised bus passes for elderly residents have been provided since the 1980s, and the Link buses to fill gaps in provision are an important lifeline to many elderly residents;

(r)  a high percentage of people visiting Nottingham Train station currently arrive by bus.

RESOLVED to:

(1)  thank Chris for his informative presentation, and note the contents;

(2)  invite representatives from NCT (Nottingham City Transport) and NET (Nottingham Express Transit) to the November meeting of the Area 8 Committee.