The Red Wheel scheme
The Red Wheel scheme commemorates Britain's rich and globally important legacy in the development of transport and presents it to a new and wider audience. Some of our most significant heritage sites, eg. the Forth Bridge and Channel Tunnel, are household names but many more are currently little known and their importance unappreciated.

Drawing advice from local historians, industrial archaeologists and other experts, Transport Trust members are taking a closer look at Britain's transport heritage to determine sites of greatest significance. Whereas many plaque schemes commemorate famous individuals, Red Wheels principally highlight key locations of engineering and transport importance. Nominations are evaluated for their importance, rarity, public awareness and access/'something to see'. We may rank a 'hidden gem' higher than a site already nationally recognised. Most sites will be unique but a few are chosen as particularly good examples of an important category in the built environment. Exceptionally a Red Wheel may be awarded as a reminder to current and future generations of an important former use of a location which has since been obliterated.

Where can I find Red Wheels?
Red Wheel plaques were successfully pioneered in Derbyshire in 2009 and the programme is being rolled out across the country. To find out all about the sites selected to receive Red Wheel plaques consult our searchable Heritage Directory (opens in a new window).

Alternatively browse the reference list of Red Wheel sites.