There is no official information on the height of the catenary system, that supports the cables of the NGT trolley bus scheme. Unlike continental trolley buses, the system has to be of an unusual height because double-decker buses will travel under it for many sections of the route. The mast height of 6.5metres (about 20 feet) is my “guestimate” as safe clearance for a 4.3 metre bus is required. The power line will carry about 700 volts.

The design and build must allow for all conditions. Engineers will have in mind extreme conditions such as a winter gale.

The design of the route will acknowledge that no tree or branch can lean over this catenary system. There can be no circumstances where a branch can be allowed to touch the masts, cables or braces. Re-growth of a brashed (cut back) tree will not be permitted. The best method of ensuring safety and line continuity is to remove the tree because continuous maintenance will be difficult. An extensive tree removal programme will threaten our green corridor, from Monument Moor to beyond the Lawnswood roundabout. When you next travel along the route look up and estimate the lean of the branches over the A660 to get an idea of which trees will be removed. It looks like a very large number.