21 November
We all hate being stuck in traffic, and statistically November has the slowest journey times for drivers. Nottingham City Council is working to keep the city moving but council intervention can only go so far.
As individuals, we all need to think about how we can change the way we travel in order to have a real impact on congestion.
Together we can get traffic flowing better and help to reduce air pollution.
Why is November so bad?
The nights are darker – The clocks change and the nights get darker, colder and longer. Fewer people want to cycle or take public transport, which means there are more cars on the road. This is understandable, but the more people who think ‘I’ll drive instead,’ the longer the traffic jams.
Plus people don’t drive as efficiently in poor visibility and bad weather so cars move slower.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… It’s festive season, so hopefully you’ll be busy socialising. It may be tempting to drive, but this not only contributes to congestion this can also have serious road safety implications. Drink driving is also a big problem at this time of year, so if you’re heading to a Christmas party why not leave the car at home and take a cab or public transport instead.
What we are doing for you
We are helping drivers by…
Rethinking roadworks every year Nottingham City Council bans non-essential roadworks from November until the New Year – so diversions won’t get in the way of your Christmas shopping! In 2023, non-essential roadworks in the city centre and on major routes will halt from 24 November.
Managing traffic – our team in the traffic control centre monitor the roads and can intervene to help traffic flow better.
And we are improving transport choice…
Public transport is a much more efficient use of road space. A full bus at peak times can carry between 50-80 people, and a tram up to 200! That’s hundreds of people who aren’t in cars, adding to traffic. So even if you don’t use the bus the fact that so many people do helps to keep you moving.
Cycling and walking – active travel is good for the user, environment and helps to reduce congestion. Cycling is up 40% across the city since 2010 following improvements to cycle lanes. The more people that walk or cycle – the better.
And we are improving real time information…
Our journey planner – can help you make travel choices before you even leave the house.
Real time information takes the uncertainty out of your commute.
Or you can follow @NottmTravelwise on Twitter for the latest travel information and gritting updates.
But council intervention can only go so far
To have a real impact on congestion we all need to change our travel behaviour. Here’s what you can do to help…
Leave the car at home – when you’re caught up in congestion you’re not just stuck in traffic, you ARE traffic! So if you don’t need to drive then – don’t.
Rethink travel times – If you have to drive why not travel slightly earlier or later to avoid the peak rush? If you can work flexibility make the most of it, and travel in quieter periods.
Liftshare – Or go one better and share a lift with a friend or colleague – we can even help you find a carpool companion with Nottingham Liftshare, why not give it a go? The fewer cars on the roads, the more easily we can all move around the city.
Get active – and walk or cycle short trips. Not only will this cut down on time spent in traffic but this will have great health benefits too.
Small changes can have a big impact, so why not rethink the way you travel and do your bit to help keep the city moving this winter.
