Fatal accident prompts safety boost for Blackpool trams

Seven people were killed and 61 passengers were injured when a tram derailed in Croydon in south London in November 2016.

Following the incident, the Rail Accident Investigation Board (RAIB) issued a number of recommendations for all tram networks, including Blackpool which has either implemented or is in the process of implementing them.

It has now been agreed to upgrade in-cab systems which ensure drivers remain alert at all times while driving trams.

While such measures are already in place, the move will strengthen existing safety precautions.

A report to the Shareholder Committee, which oversees all the council’s wholly owned companies including Blackpool Transport, says: “The intent of this recommendation is to reduce the likelihood of serious accidents due totram drivers becoming inattentive because of fatigue or other effects.”

Blackpool’s fleet of Bombardier Flexity trams are already fitted with a driver vigilance device which detects physical activity and monitors cab controls.

It is able to automatically apply the brakes if there is no detectable movement from the driver.

But operators have been warned the system can be activated by a subconscious reflex and have been recommended to upgrade the safety measures which are already in place.

The council report adds: “The safety benefits resulting from this measure will only be realised if an accident happens.

“However, if we are to compare the cost (financial and reputational) against one fatal or serious accident the cost would seem inexpensive.”

The recommendation from the RAIB said ‘UK tram operators, owners and infrastructure managers should work together to research and evaluate systems capable of reliably detecting driver attention state and initiatingappropriate automatic responses if a low level of alertness is identified.’

The accident in Croyden happened shortly after 6am on Wednesday November 9 2016 when a tram travelling from New Addington to Wimbledon on the Croydon Tramlink Network overturned on a curve approaching Sandilands junction.

The tragedy is considered the worst to have occurred on a British tramway for more than 90 years.