NNC teams shortlisted for prestigious MJ Awards

31 March 2023

North Northamptonshire Council are celebrating after being nominated for nationally recognised awards.

Teams from NNC have reached the final five in the following categories at the MJ Awards:

• Best Transport Decarbonisation project
• Transforming Lives

The North Northants e-scooter trial has been nominated for the Best Transport Decarbonisation project. Since the trial started, over three million rides have been undertaken with over 87,000 registered users. The scheme in North Northants is led by NNC, working alongside West Northamptonshire Council, Voi technology and Northamptonshire Police.

It is estimated that since e-scooters were introduced to North Northants, 1.6 million car trips have been replaced and 700 tonnes of CO2 saved, with an additional £7.57m spent in local town centres as a direct result of the trial.  Key workers and job seekers have also benefitted from discounts through the trial.

Elsewhere, NNC’s Wellbeing team, Environmental Health and Public Health teams have been nominated in the Transforming Lives category for their work alongside Welcome Break supporting HGV drivers utilising Rothwell Truck Stop. An event took place at the Truckstop held in September 2022 where drivers were given opportunities to speak to the team, use body composition scales, and have their blood pressure checked, as well as two further supporting visits to the site to engage directly with drivers. 

A further health and wellbeing promotional event was held at the end of October 2022, timed to be part of the Road Haulage Association’s ‘National Lorry week.’ This has been followed up with an action plan created for 2023 to further support HGV drivers using the facilities and there are plans for future events.

I’m really pleased to see this, especially as one of the projects is one that was very close to my heart, as I was the Executive Member responsible for bringing the e-scooters into Northamptonshire.  Everyone involved should be extremely proud to be shortlisted for such prestigious awards.  As well as the hard work and determination of the teams from NNC involved, this recognition also highlights the important work that goes on with partners across North Northamptonshire to improve the lives of residents. I wish everyone involved the best of luck and want to congratulate the teams for reaching this stage and I am hoping that we are able to bring both awards back to North Northamptonshire later this year.Cllr Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

The MJ Awards will take place on Friday 23 June.