New tram safety measures installed on Collins Street

Friday 14 March 2014

• Effort to improve tram safety by separating motorists and trams
• Aim to reduce risk of serious injury or death caused by high speed impact
• Motorists reminded to stay clear of tram tracks

 

Melbourne's worst street for tram to vehicle collisions has had raised safety kerbs installed in an effort to increase safety by improving separation between motorists and trams.

Yarra Trams and Public Transport Victoria has installed the bright yellow kerbs along Collins Street, with the work completed two weeks ahead of schedule to be finished before the Grand Prix.

At the launch of its 'Drivers Beware' rhino safety campaign last year, Yarra Trams data showed that spots on Collins Street near the intersections at Elizabeth, Russell and Spencer streets were among the top 10 locations for tram to vehicle collisions.

Data recorded in the first month after the campaign launch showed a 19 per cent reduction in the number of tram to vehicle collisions on the network compared to the same period in 2012.

The network wide trend shows a reduction in collisions since 2010, but an increase in the proportion of incidents occurring in Collins Street.

Year	Total tram to vehicle collisions	In Collins Street	Percentage in Collins Street
2008	944	44	4.66
2009	905	38	4.20
2010	836	54	6.46
2011	983	48	4.88
2012	892	49	5.49
2013	844	49	5.81
2014	162	6	3.70

To 8 March 2014

The most common causes of collisions, which the raised kerbs aim to eliminate, are motorists performing U-turns or right turns in front of trams, which can weigh as much as 30 rhinos.

Motorists are reminded to stay clear of the yellow line and always check for trams before turning.

The most common causes of collisions, which the raised kerbs aim to eliminate, are motorists performing U-turns or right turns in front of trams, which can weigh as much as 30 rhinos.

Motorists are reminded to stay clear of the yellow line and always check for trams before turning.

There are three main consequences of a tram to vehicle collision:

• Risk of serious injury or death to motorists or passengers caused by high speed impact
• Risk of serious injury to tram passengers caused by falls when emergency brakes are applied
• Potential for extended delays or diversions to the tram network

Near-collisions can also pose a danger to tram passengers if the tram driver is forced to apply the emergency brake due to a vehicle crossing the tracks.

Around 80 per cent of Melbourne's tram network shares its track space with road vehicles, significantly reducing the average speed of trams.

The new safety kerb, which is 50mm high and 350mm wide, will improve the safety and reliability of trams by deterring motorists from illegally driving across the middle of the road into the path of trams.