Councillor raises questions on how safety guidelines will affect Blackpool's heritage trams
“Rumours are now rife that there may be no heritage tram service this summer and that the long-term future of heritage operations is also under threat”
Blackpool’s heritage trams will have to meet the same exacting safety guidelines as the modern fleet - but this will not prevent them from operating this year.
That’s the message from Blackpool Transport after concerns were raised that, in the worst case scenario, the heritage trams might have to cease operating altogether this year.
However, there is still a strong likelihood they may not be in use until later in the year and may miss the main summer season.
Concerns were raised by Blackpool heritage tram volunteer Cllr Paul Galley, who was speaking after Blackpool’s modern Light Rail Transit (LRT) was found to be at risk of derailment and Blackpool Transport had to carry out repairs to Office of Rail and Road (ORR) satisfaction.
Councillor’s concerns
Cllr Galley said serious questions were now being asked about whether Blackpool’s heritage tram fleet could be facing the same operational restrictions currently affecting the modern fleet, which has been working to a reduced timetable to accommodate urgent maintenance on their suspension systems.
He said: “Blackpool Transport Services has yet to provide any public clarification on whether heritage operations are affected.
“With the summer season underway, uncertainty is mounting over whether there will be sufficient time for the heritage trams to operate if additional restrictions are imposed. If the issues are not resolved, there are fears that heritage services could face significant disruption or even cease altogether.
“Rumours are now rife that there may be no heritage tram service this summer and that the long-term future of heritage operations is also under threat.
“Blackpool Transport Services must end the speculation. Questions need answers. The public deserves openness and transparency about what is happening.
“If the heritage fleet is unaffected, say so. If there are issues, explain what they are, what is being done to resolve them and what this means for the future of one of Blackpool’s most iconic attractions.”
What Blackpool Transport says
But Blackpool Transport insists those fears are unfounded.
Lea Harrison, Blackpool Transport Managing Director, commented: “We are 100 per cent committed to preserving Blackpool’s rich tramway history, and this includes the return of regular heritage tours during peak seasons.
“This is part of a much broader, and more ambitious, vision for the future of the historic tram collection that includes finding a home for the heritage workshops and static displays. Running alongside our other heritage operations, this has the potential to become a major tourist attraction.
“In the meantime, we aim to ensure the trams remain in the public eye, with ‘pop-up’ displays planned and a return of trips along the seafront.
“Quite rightly, the ORR requires these tours to be run to the same operational standards as our regular services, and we are working closely with the regulator to ensure these conditions are met, including retrofitting safety equipment to the heritage fleet.
“This represents a significant challenge, and it would be unfair to give an exact date for a resumption of the tours. However, we are doing everything we can to carry out this work as quickly as possible and hope to run some trips later this year as our bold plans take shape.”