The City and County Councils have decided to pursue design work on two preferred routes for the next lines; to Clifton via Wilford and to Chilwell via Beeston and QMC.
After the design consultation has been completed next year, following agreement from the two councils and subject to approval of the economic case by the Secretary of State for Transport, we will commence the process to obtain a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO). This would give the councils the powers to build and operate the new tram lines. The process also provides statutory rights for people to submit their comments on the proposals to the Secretary of State.

We expect an independent Public Inquiry to take place, probably in 2004, where the application for a TWAO is considered and in which all interested parties can participate. The inquiry will be extensively advertised in good time when more details and dates are known.

The final decision will be taken by the Secretary of State. If approval is granted works would not start before late 2005.