The first trams for Nottingham's new �180m transport network have rolled off the production line.

A fleet of trams is being built for the 14km route which will run from Hucknall to the centre of Nottingham.

The Nottingham Express Transit (Net) line is expected to be running on the city's streets by November 2003.

Transport Minister John Spellar stepped aboard the first tram on the test track at Bombardier Transportation's factory in Derby where they are being built.

Needy areas

He said: "An estimated 11m passengers are expected to use the Net each year and I am pleased that I could be one of the first.

"Developing sustainable transport links is vital in tackling increasing problems of pollution and congestion on our cities' streets and also getting workers to Nottingham's growing city centre.

Work began on the tram line in June 2000

"This project will, not only help encourage drivers out of their cars but also act as a catalyst for the regeneration of areas of Nottingham most in need, including areas of high unemployment."

The route from Hucknall to Nottingham train station is the first line of a proposed network to serve the whole of the wider Nottingham area.

It runs through former mining communities and disadvantaged inner city areas, before reaching the city centre.

There is also a short spur to a Park and Ride site just off the M1.

Work began on phase one in June 2000 and the first tram is expected to take to the streets in November 2003.

The first line will take an estimated two million car journeys off Nottingham's roads every year.

The tram development team is preparing to apply to build two more tram routes into the city centre from Clifton via Wilford and from Chilwell via Beeston.