New East Midlands MCA looks for Transport Strategy chief

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward

East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward

The new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is seeking to recruit a Head of Transport Strategy, and several other supporting posts following selection of its transport political lead.

Portfolio leads at EMCCA will be responsible for  key priority areas for the newly established Mayoral region - the first for a county council area.

Mayor Claire Ward, elected in May for Labour, has selected Cllr Ben Bradley, her former Conservative rival for the East Midlands mayoralty, as Transport and Digital Connectivity committee chair. Bradley is the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council.

In November 2022, a devolution deal was agreed by the four upper tier councils of Derbyshire County Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Derby City Council and Nottingham City Council.? It guaranteed a funding stream of?£1.14bn over a 30-year period, alongside additional investments for transport, housing and economic development.

The new chief executive of Nottingham City Council Sajeeda Rose has, meanwhile, confirmed the authority will be working with the East Midlands CCA on opportunities to extend the city’s tram network to the benefit of the region. Studies have determined an extension to Gedling Village, via Nottingham Racecourse and the new Teal Close development, is one of the most likely options.

EMCCA says it wants to work closely with its constituent councils and other key partners to transform transport opportunities for those who live, work and do business in the region, and its visitor economy. It plans to do this by upgrading the quality of the road network, developing a comprehensive strategic plan and investment programme to deliver improvements to local rail, buses, roads and active travel and working with bus companies to enhance services, routes, ticketing and passenger information and promoting a greater switch to electric car use.