Manchester Metrolink set for safety improvements across all of its fleet

Manchester Metrolink continues with safety enhancements by implementing overspeed protection technology

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is improving the safety measures of their rolling stock as it is set to deliver its tram safety improvement programme.

The tram safety improvement programme was created after the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) recommended, in light of the Sandilands accident, that all light rail networks across the country should implement programmes which minimised the risk of over-speeding or inattentive driving.

In light of this, Metrolink’s fleet of 147 trams will be equipped with new systems that use GPS and other information to determine the location and speed of the tram.

Driver Vigilance Devices (DVD) and Tram Overspeed Protection Systems (TOPS) work by alerting the driver, and if there is no response, brakes will be applied automatically. To ensure drivers remain alert, an upgrade will be applied to the traction brake system and if no movement is detected input will be requested from the driver.

The protection system will operate independently of other tram monitoring systems.

TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “The safety of our customers and staff is paramount, which is why we have robust safety and assurance practices built into the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the network.

“Metrolink has an exemplary safety record, but following the tragedy in Croydon – and through the subsequent RAIB recommendations – we have taken steps to enhance this even further and have played an industry-leading role by participating in trials of innovative technology to monitor driver attention and vehicle over-speeding.

Since the Sandilands accident, Metrolink has worked to progress the recommendations including exploring new technological advancements and introduced other measures including as lower speed limits in key areas, additional hazard signage, an improved driver simulator used for training, enhanced medical standards and proactive speed monitoring.

Want to know more about the opportunities to become a key supplier to the UK rail industry? Attend TransCityRail and access an exclusive marketplace of buyers from Network Rail, HS2, Train Operators, Major Contractors, and all other tiers of the supply chain. For more information and to secure your place click here.  

RTM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023

RTM OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023

Putting Passengers First

This issue highlights the latest topics within the rail industry, from decarbonising the Midlands, improving rail safety, meeting the future priorities of Scotland's Railway & more!                                                      

Videos...

View all videos
TransCityRail Banner

TransCityRail

South \ 28 09 23
North \ 09 11 23
Mids \ 29 02 24

TransCityRail is a series of regional, interactive and insightful events across the country bringing together leaders, collaborators, problem solvers and innovators in a creative and invigorating way.
 

This series of events supports and informs the whole of the rail industry and connects suppliers with buyers, specifiers, leaders and decision-makers looking to procure a wide variety of innovative products and services for their region.

09/11/23

TransCityRail North

The North of England is home to almost a quarter of the UK’s entire population, so it’s no surprise that continued investment across the regions railway is a priority for Transport for the North, Network Rail, HS2, Operators and Major Contractors.

For over a decade the TransCityRail NORTH conference, exhibition and networking dinner has been uniting the leaders of industry responsible for building shaping and delivering rail infrastructure investment across the region for a day of collaboration, conversation and engagement.

This year we have another star studied line-up of keynote speakers and panel discussions on strategic rail investment for the region, Transpennine Route Upgrade and Northern Powerhouse Rail revealing £billions in opportunity for the supply chain.

More articles...

View all