Transport for Greater Manchester are urging motorists to “be tram aware” when they are driving close to Manchester Metrolink tracks as a part of a new safety campaign. Footage of recent road traffic collisions has been released to back up this campaign with 91 car v tram collisions reported between April and December 2022 – the majority of which were down to motorist error.
The footage shows three collisions when cars and heavy goods vehicles pulled ahead of oncoming trams before the tram driver can react. These poor driving habits are putting the driver, tram driver and passengers at risk of serious injury and can also have a wider impact of the Metrolink network as well as affecting the travelling public.
As part of the campaign, drivers are being urged to be more aware of their surroundings when sharing road space with trams – especially at junctions and level crossings.
Danny Vaughan, Head of Metrolink at TfGM, said: “It’s vitally important that motorists remain vigilant when driving close to the Metrolink network, particularly where the tracks run on or along roads. Our trams weigh 40 tonnes and have the potential to cause significant injury and damage if they are involved in a collision, so please take extra care when driving. In most cases collisions on Metrolink are due to motorists not paying attention, so we hope that by releasing this footage, drivers will be more tram aware help reduce the risk crashes and additional consequences such as the disruption to our customers.”
Collisions also have a major financial impact to both Metrolink and motorists. In the April to December 2022 period, Metrolink incurred repair costs of £1.4 million – most of which is being recovered through motorists’ insurance.