The reliability and punctuality of the tram service during this three-month period were
94.7% and 93.7%, respectively.
A report released ahead of next week’s Greater Nottingham Light Rapid Transit Advisory Committee meeting details the incidents including road traffic collisions, storms and flooding.
‘During the busiest period of the year for the tram network reliability performance was sustained, despite a variety of challenges with weather conditions and a continued impact from third-party events.
‘Storms have brought flooding, snow, high winds, and freezing temperatures to be dealt with. This period has also seen a significant increase in city centre footfall and traffic congestion, again impacting services.
‘Most Saturdays throughout this period have also seen protest marches block tram and road routes, causing some delays on the busiest day of the week.
‘During the period, there continued to be an increase in third-party incidents, including
minor collisions near the Fletcher Gate car park, Meadows Embankment and on Radford
Road and Berridge Road. These types of incident can have a knock-on effect on services
due to tram availability while repairs to damage are carried out.
‘On Thursday, November 30, a collision occurred between a tram and a wheelchair that
had rolled onto the track. Investigations established that a brake had not been applied
correctly by the individual pushing the wheelchair when they turned to close a gate.
‘Although the tram driver responded quickly by applying his brakes, a collision was
unavoidable, and the wheelchair user sustained head injuries and was taken to hospital
for treatment. The resulting police investigation saw the road closed for approximately
seven hours until the person’s condition stabilised. Welfare support has since been
provided to the tram driver.
‘Heavy rainfall and stormy weather during December caused issues with localised
flooding across the network and debris being blown onto tracks and overhead line
equipment with, at Bulwell Forest, the level crossing barrier blown onto the overhead
line. Network Rail attended shortly afterwards this event to carry out a repair that allowed
services to resume.
‘In January, Storm Henk brought heavy county-wide rain, taking the River Trent to record
levels and flooding a section of the track at Wilford Lane. It took several days for the
water to subside to enable cleaning ahead of service resumption. A cold front later in the
month saw temperatures plummet to around -10˚C causing issues with frozen screen
wash and motors. High winds continued to affect the tramway and surrounding areas,
with debris being blown onto tracks.’
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