A local Councillor who represents the Norbreck ward in Blackpool has claimed overcrowding on the tramway system could be putting passengers at risk of injury. Cllr Julie Sloman (Conservatives) has said that the issue has been mentioned to her by a constituent and she has then raised it at a full Council meeting.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Cllr Sloman has said that the constituent was concerned that overcrowding not only led to safety problems but also meant that conductors couldn\u2019t collect all fares on board the tram.<\/p>\n
In her address to the Council meeting, Cllr Sloman stated: \u201cHe also believes there is a potential safety issue if the tram had to stop suddenly, especially if elderly people were on board and could be injured. If a tram caught fire or there was an accident, people could die as they would panic and there are only two double doors to exit and there are often wheelchairs and prams near the doors.”<\/p>\n
She has also said that although she has raised the issue with Blackpool Transport she hadn\u2019t received an adequate response.<\/p>\n
A spokesperson from Blackpool Transport is quoted in local media: \u201cThe safety of customers is our top priority. The capacity of our Flexity trams is around 220 customers, depending on the ratio of those standing or seated. Our trams are regularly monitored, and our onboard teams are trained to ensure that passengers travel as safely and comfortably as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are committed to continually improving our services and working closely with the council and residents to ensure that Blackpool\u2019s tram service remains safe, reliable, and accessible for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The issue of Blackpool Tramway and overcrowding on board at trams is nothing new and has been seen over the past few years with the dreaded \u201cSorry Tram Full\u201d seen on the outside of trams during busy periods (such as illumination weekends and when other high profile events take place in the resort). But with the current staffing level at Blackpool Transport its not clear how there can be a quick fix to increasing capacity in the timetable to prevent any overcrowding.<\/p>\n
A local Councillor who represents the Norbreck ward in Blackpool has claimed overcrowding on the tramway system could be putting passengers at risk of injury. Cllr Julie Sloman (Conservatives) has said that the issue has been mentioned to her by … Continue reading