East Midlands Mayor Puts North Nottinghamshire Transport Links at Top of Agenda

Improving public transport across the north of Nottinghamshire will be one of the first major priorities for East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward when her office assumes full responsibility for the region’s network in April 2026.

A public consultation is being prepared to gather views from residents on where services fall short and what changes are most urgently needed. The process will be split into two stages: first identifying priority areas, and then exploring potential solutions such as tram extensions, new rail connections, or expanded bus services.

Everyday Challenges for Residents

Ward, who lives in the northern part of the county, said local people often face limited transport choices. She pointed out that many villages are left without bus services, while existing routes into Nottingham often end early in the evening and rarely run on Sundays.

“How can people get to work, visit hospital services, or see friends and family without reliable transport?” she asked. “Not everyone has access to a car, and we cannot continue to exclude those who are unable to drive or afford one.”

Ward added that stronger public transport links are essential to reducing dependency on cars and supporting new housing and community growth.

Push for Road Upgrades

Alongside public transport, the mayor is also pressing for long-awaited upgrades to the A614 and the Ollerton roundabout, which have been under discussion since 2019. The East Midlands Combined County Authority has already submitted a bid for £26m of government funding to carry out the work.

The roundabout, which has six exits, regularly experiences heavy congestion, and the A614 is the key route connecting north Nottinghamshire to the city. Ward stressed that improvements are essential for both housing and employment plans in the area.

“If we don’t get the upgrades, new housing developments in Thoresby can’t go ahead and commercial projects will stall,” she said. “I’m very confident in the case we’ve made, and I believe the government will listen.”

Building Momentum

The mayor said she wants transport improvements to underpin the region’s wider ambitions for growth. “Better connections will help us create stronger communities, support new homes, and unlock jobs. It’s about making sure people can move around easily, not just by car, but through sustainable, reliable transport options.”

The consultation on regional transport upgrades is expected to begin in the coming months.