We are aware of some issues where trams are becoming overcrowded, and are working with public transport operators and Nottinghamshire Police to do what we can to ensure Nottingham?s transport network is as safe as it can be. Our Community Protection Officers have started to carry out high-visibility patrols on trams and other public transport, providing reassurance and advising passengers about the need to stick to the Government?s Covid guidance.

It?s incumbent on anyone who is going out of their home at the moment to take personal responsibility for keeping themselves and those around them safe from the threat of Covid-19. Washing hands, wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing are fundamental to this and so if someone is faced with getting onto a tram, they need to be sensible and cautious, and wait for the next one if it looks like social distancing is not going to be possible.

Yesterday, contactless payments were launched on NCT buses, with the Linkbus network and NET to follow early next year, making ?Nottingham Contactless? the UK?s first multi-modal and multi-operator contactless system outside London. Supported by the City Council through a ?2.4m Government grant, this will undoubtedly provide additional confidence for people using public transport in Nottingham during the pandemic and makes using our excellent network simple and effortless. Passengers simply tap their contactless bank card or mobile device on the card reader and the system automatically calculates the best fare for a customer based on their journeys each day. Read more here

Encouraging greener, more sustainable travel in and around the city in this way is especially important as we plan our recovery from the ongoing impacts of Covid-19. Yesterday, proposals for a Midlands-wide Oyster Card-style system were unveiled by Midlands Connect, with Nottingham as one of the trial areas if the scheme receives Government backing.

There?s plenty of green activity going on right now around Nottingham. Installation of solar panels on the new Broadmarsh car park building has begun. With Nottingham City Homes we are installing ?bee hotels? around the city. We are also encouraging people to take unwanted flowers and greenery to Wollaton to be turned into Christmas decorations.

Covid has sadly put paid to this year?s Goose Fair ? only the ninth time Nottingham?s most popular event has been cancelled in its 729-year history. But it?s good to see that Goosey the Goose Fair goose has flown in to the Old Market Square for the next five days to help put a smile on people?s faces. Visitors are encouraged to share their socially distanced pictures and videos with her on social media, as we all look forward to the event hopefully returning bigger and better in 2021.