Report 14/2022: Fatal collision between a tram and a pedestrian at Cleveleys

Summary

At 18:11 hrs on Wednesday 24 November 2021, a pedestrian who was crossing the Blackpool tramway near Anchorsholme Park, in Cleveleys, was struck by a tram. The pedestrian, who lived locally, was fatally injured as a result of the collision. The tram involved was travelling at 32 km/h (20 mph) on a southbound journey from Fleetwood Ferry towards Starr Gate.

It was dark at the time of the accident. The pedestrian was crossing at an uncontrolled crossing which passes over both tracks of the tramway and which is situated immediately south of a road junction controlled by traffic signals.

RAIB’s investigation concluded that the tram driver was unaware of the presence of the pedestrian until it was too late to take action to prevent the collision. The pedestrian who was struck was seemingly unaware of the tram’s speed and proximity to him in the seconds before the collision. The layout and lighting arrangements at the crossing were factors in the accident, along with the probable distraction of the tram driver as the tram approached the crossing. RAIB concluded that the pedestrian’s possible beliefs about the tram’s speed and how conspicuous he was to other road users may also have been factors.

Recommendations

RAIB has made three recommendations. The first is that Blackpool Transport Services should review its process for identifying and assessing the risks arising from tramway activities. The second is that Blackpool Council should review its process for identifying and assessing the risks arising from tramway activities, adopting and embedding best light rail industry practice as it does so. The third is that Blackpool Council should review its assurance and audit process of Blackpool Transport Services.

RAIB also identified two learning points. The first reminds duty holders of the value of having clear and well understood processes for staff to report near misses. The second reminds tram operators of the importance of having arrangements in place to periodically check the alignment of tram headlights.

Notes to editors

1. The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.

2. RAIB operates, as far as possible, in an open and transparent manner. While our investigations are completely independent of the railway industry, we do maintain close liaison with railway companies and if we discover matters that may affect the safety of the railway, we make sure that information about them is circulated to the right people as soon as possible, and certainly long before publication of our final report.

3. For media enquiries, please call 01932 440015.

Newsdate: 17 November 2022