The dream of beating congestion has moved closer to reality, as plans to extend the Nottingham Express Transit tram system got the green light from the Government on 29 March.

Having considered the Inspector's report of the lengthy Public Inquiry held in December 2007, Government ministers have today granted the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) for the proposed NET Phase Two extensions to Clifton and Chilwell via Beeston.

The TWAO gives the joint promoters - Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council - the legal powers to acquire the land, build and operate NET Phase Two.
 
The Government support demonstrates confidence in the £400+ million project and their belief that the tram extensions will bring huge benefits to the city and region.

NET Phase Two is expected to tempt drivers out of their cars and take a further 2 million car journeys off our roads each year. The scheme could also generate long term employment growth of up to 10,000 jobs which could boost the local economy by around £390m per year.

The announcement was welcomed by Cllr Jane Urquhart (Nottingham City Council's portfolio holder for Transport and Area Working), who predicted the tram extensions would make a big difference to people living and working in Nottingham.
 
Cllr Urquhart said: 'Nottingham is an ambitious and dynamic city. By building on the success of the existing tram system we are demonstrating that, even in a tough financial climate, we are not afraid to take bold steps to ensure that Nottingham continues to grow and prosper. NET Phase Two
will attract more businesses to Nottingham, create jobs and give residents better access to public transport. We hope that a decision on the funding streams is made soon so that we can progress with our plans. Even so, the delivery of such a major project is complex but we hope that work can start on the ground in a couple of years to ensure we get the benefits as soon as possible.'

The decision was hailed as a step in the right direction by Cllr Stella Smedley (Nottinghamshire County Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways) who said: 'The impact NET Phase Two will have on job creation, better transport links and the wider economy is not to be underestimated.
 
The success of NET Line One has demonstrated that investment in fixed transport links provides a focus for development and the regeneration and renewal of surrounding areas. The proposals for NET Phase Two have already attracted new businesses to the region.
 
The extended tram network will be a catalyst for further regeneration providing years of construction work that would impact on local employment and local spending.'
 
The Government requires that a quarter of the funding for such projects has to be raised locally. Nottingham City Council has proposed to generate much of this funding by introducing a workplace parking levy.
 
The new 10km Chilwell via Beeston route will serve the Meadows, the ng2 development site, the Queens Medical Centre, the University of Nottingham the Science Park, Beeston town centre and Chilwell before terminating at a park and ride site near the A52 close to junction 25 of the M1.
 
The 7.5km Clifton route will serve densely populated residential areas including the Meadows, Wilford/Ruddington Lane and the Clifton Estate before terminating at a park and ride site near the A453 close to junction 24 of the M1.

Source: http://www.netphasetwo.com/