One of the big selling points of the Blackpool Tramway is that it runs along the Promenade allowing good views of the sea as you travel along. One of the disadvantages of the Blackpool Tramway is that it runs along the Promenade so that when there are big events it is difficult to maintain a safe service. And so it was over the weekend of Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th August that with the Blackpool Airshow taking place trams were not running between Central Pier and North Pier.
Between 1300 and 1800 on both days trams ran Starr Gate-Central Pier (on their return from Central Pier they ran wrong line as far as the crossover at Foxhall where they regained the correct line) and North Pier-Fleetwood. No trams were able to run between Central and North Piers with passengers required to walk to continue their journey. Through tickets could be purchased though all the way between Starr Gate and Fleetwood it was just that a change of trams was required.
Heritage Tram Tours were also impacted by these changes with tours only able to take place in the morning and the afternoon tours not happening. (Although the Saturday evening did see an Evening Tour run as scheduled).
007 waits for departure from the wrong platform at Central Pier with a service to Starr Gate. The crowds who have gathered for the Airshow around the platform area show why it wasn’t possible for a through service to run. (Photograph by Peter Dockerty, 12th August 2023)
I gather that the fireworks competitions this coming autumn are to result in similar disruption even though in previous years I understand that this was not the case. Given the number of partygoers who meander accross the promenade in high season, it rather begs the question as to whether what seems to be a rather overzealous approach to health and safety will eventually extend towards limiting the overall service to north of North Pier, possibly runnng only a service from North Station to Fleetwood at the busier times of the year. This of course should appease the local taxi drivers, who as a group were objecting to trams along Talbot Road, as with few buses running the length of the promenade, any such move would bring them increased business.
As people meander across the road-vehicle road along the promenade and could get killed by cars, taxis, buses etc., then if we are to operate a ‘no risk’ world, then all traffic would have to be stopped from using the road, including disabled buggies and pushchairs. Also the leads of dogs present a trip hazard, so ban dogs too. Of course, the sea is dangerous so a fence could be erected along the beach to prevent people from falling in the water. Health and safety first!
This is not the way to run a public transport system.
Guy Gets Run Over By Tram video title this week posted by Old Blackpool Biker on You Tube- posted 17th August. Tram at standstill near Tower. Person hit described as walking around after collison so sounds not serious unless they had a relapse later etc.