East Midlands Mayoral Elections

East Midlands Combined Authority

The May Mayoral elections are now complete and Claire Ward (Labour) was elected as the first D2N2 Mayor.

The geography of the new East Midlands Combined Authority

The mayor has significant powers and funding for the region that are currently controlled by central Government. The EMCA will be able to take decisions on areas including planning and transport.

What that means for the local highways authority is not certain at this stage – It’s unlikely that general day to day maintenance & resurfacing enquiries or minor improvement schemes to junctions will be dealt with by the more central body. But perhaps more strategic elements such as expediting and properly consolidating the local cycling and walking infrastructure plans (LCWIP) where all four current authorities are struggling to truly integrate.

Derby Cycling Group has been working with the D2N2 Active Travel Alliance which is a group of organisations with a shared interest in making walking, wheeling and cycling more accessible, safe, and attractive. The Alliance has created a Vision and set of “asks” for the mayoral candidates.