Travel to Work in Nottingham: An Analysis of Environmental Impacts and Mitigating Policies

This study uses Census data to look at travel to work patterns in Nottingham. Spatial trends are identified by analysing how number of journeys to work, distance travelled, commuter flows, method of travel, type of job and type of neighbourhood vary across the study area. Affluent commuters working in managerial and professional roles travelling long distances by car from the rural hinterland to the city centre contrast with people with routine jobs travelling short distances to work from deprived urban neighbourhoods using public transport. Temporal trends are revealed through the comparison of 1991 and 2001 Census data. The number of journeys to work is increasing, whilst flow patterns are becoming more complex. The environmental impact of travel to work in Nottingham is quantified through the application of a simple model that estimates the carbon dioxide emissions produced by commuting in each area. The Nottingham Express Transit tram network has been introduced in the city with the aim of reducing congestion and reliance on the car through the provision of an environmentally friendly alternative. The possible environmental benefits of this solution are highlighted by exploring several what-if scenarios. It is concluded that the tram network has the potential to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.