1st June 2026
I met with the Light Rail Transit Association, following coverage of their ideas for a tram system in Derby. Trams run successfully in several other places in the UK, and are much more commonplace in cities elsewhere in Europe. They have many advantages, and from today’s perspective, given the congestion on our streets, the decision to remove tram lines in favour of roads all those decades ago seems very short term.
It was interesting to hear about some technical innovations which could make building new track much less costly, and that help trams to steer around bends which could make routeing more flexible. I was amazed to hear how energy-efficient trams can be, even when carrying large numbers of people, which is another advantage they have over other forms of transport.
Given the way that Derby is set to expand, and how urgently we need to reduce carbon emissions, a feasibility study into a tram system for the city would be very welcome. I will be following up on this.
3rd July 2026
Trams were once a common sight in Derby, which had a network that served the whole of the city, including parts of Allestree.
However, as cars and buses grew in popularity, those tramlines were eventually dug up in favour of roads.
Today, while cars remain a convenient and accessible way to commute, rush hour often leaves our city gridlocked, with stationary traffic backing up for miles.
That’s why towns and cities across the UK are looking for smarter, faster ways to move large volumes of people. As part of the solution, many have turned back to trams as an effective way to ease congestion.
As part of East Midland Mayor Claire Ward’s Big Transport Conversation, which invited residents to share how we should spend the Labour government’s generation £2 billion investment in regional transport, the Light Rail Transit Association proposed a Derby tram.
I was intrigued by how this idea could unlock economic growth and opportunities for residents, and tackle Derby’s congestion issue. You can listen more about my thoughts in this video.