Heritage trams will no longer operate on the Blackpool Tramway following a review undertaken by Blackpool Transport. They cite ongoing challenges in operating the trams on a modern tramway, especially in regards to new safety measures which are being introduced on all UK tramways following recommendations which came after the tragic Sandilands accident on the London Trams network in 2016.<\/p>\n
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This is an immediate suspension of all operations \u2013 and includes all remaining Illumination Tours for 2024 alongside Coastal and Promenade Tours and the previously announced The Blackpool Express which was due to run in the lead-up to Christmas.<\/p>\n
The full statement released on behalf of Blackpool Heritage Tram Tours is provided below:<\/p>\n
Following a thorough review, we have made the difficult decision to suspend our Heritage Tram Tours. Operating the Heritage Trams alongside our modern fleet has become increasingly challenging, with issues such as depot space, tram movements, general safety and maintenance conflicts making it difficult to continue running the service effectively.<\/em><\/p>\n This decision was not taken lightly, but we believe it is the most practical step to support the evolving needs of our business and maintain the overall efficiency of our operations. As part of our efforts to future-proof and safely grow our core tram network following the North Station extension, we are introducing advanced safety systems, including the Obstacle Detection Assistance System (ODAS) and the Collision and Overspeed Monitoring and Prevention Assistance System (COMPASS). These technologies are essential to maintaining safety, especially during busy times such as the summer, illuminations and festive seasons. The systems also allow us to improve operational efficiency, and ensure the sustainability of the network.<\/em><\/p>\n The Heritage Trams are a cherished part of Blackpool\u2019s history, and we fully recognise their importance to the community, however, ensuring the ongoing safety and sustainability of the service has become increasingly complex. This pause provides an opportunity to reflect on the role of Heritage trams within a modernised and safe tramway network.<\/p>\n By reassessing their operation, we aim to explore new ways to honour Blackpool\u2019s rich transport heritage while maintaining our commitment to a safe, efficient, and future-focused service. We are dedicated to finding innovative opportunities to honour and showcase Blackpool\u2019s iconic tramway history, and we thank you for your understanding as we work towards this.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Heritage trams will no longer operate on the Blackpool Tramway following a review undertaken by Blackpool Transport. They cite ongoing challenges in operating the trams on a modern tramway, especially in regards to new safety measures which are being introduced … Continue reading