Information request as reported in the Manchester Evening News has shown that during 2024 there was nearly a collision a week between other road vehicles and trams on Metrolink. In total there were 51 reported collisions – an increase from 39 in 2023.
Not long seems to pass between collisions as reported on these pages. Whilst many of these are relatively minor, they all do still cause disruption and in some cases significant damage to the trams putting more pressure on the fleet to maintain the service.
Quoted in the article is Ian Davies, Interim Metrolink Network Director at TfGM, who commented: “Safety is an absolute priority for the Bee Network and we work closely with the tram operator KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM) to minimise the risk of collisions between trams and other vehicles. In most cases, collisions that do occur are due to motorists not paying attention and that’s why we have run several safety campaigns to remind motorists to remain vigilant when driving close to the tram network, particularly where the trams and cars share road space.”
Overall figures given include:
2024 – 51
2023 – 39
2022 – 52
2021 – 39
2020 – 33
Drivers guilty of failing to observe road markings or ‘give way’ signs where trams and other vehicles cross paths should be banned for twelve months. That would surely concentrate the minds of all drivers. If an accident is caused by inattention, then a ban should be automatic. The accident causing a fatality last month may have been avoided had the driver of the van been aware of possibly losing his licence if causing a collision.