Blackpool Trams - merged posts

[whole diary]

[JayMac]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Blackpool's tram system is back up and running after a five-month closure.

The service, which runs along the seafront to Fleetwood, is part of the way through a ^100m revamp.

After work started last year on the new tracks and extra stops, the track is now fully open, apart from a section between Cleveleys and Fleetwood.

That section is expected to be open by the end of May, following delays caused by the theft of electrical cable, Blackpool Council said.

Further closures

The service will close again next winter for more work.

When completed the upgrade will make travel easier for disabled passengers and those with pushchairs.

New low-level trams will operate on an increased frequency of service when the scheme is completed in two years.

The tramway, which is owned by Blackpool Council, has been operating since 1885 and carries about four million passengers a year.

[Chris from Nailsea]

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB^▸ (Rail Accident Investigation Branch)) has released its report into the fatal collision with a pedestrian at Norbreck, Blackpool, on 5 August 2009. The RAIB has made two recommendations.

The full report is available on the RAIB website.

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Blackpool tram driver called to court over fatal crash

A tram driver has been summonsed to court following the death of a pensioner who was knocked down by a tram on Blackpool promenade last year.

Maureen Foxwell, 70, of Trinant, south Wales, was on holiday with her husband when she was struck by the tram near the Norbreck stop on 5 August.

The summons comes after a report into the accident was published by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB^▸ (Rail Accident Investigation Branch)).

The report recommended speed limits be brought in across the tram network.

The RAIB found that the operator, Blackpool Transport Services (BTS), should also include a maximum speed for non-stopping trams passing through tram stops.

The report stated that the primary cause of the accident was the fact that Mrs Foxwell stepped out into the path of the tram.

It said: "All witness evidence indicates that the couple were crossing the tracks together and that on becoming aware of the approaching tram, the husband looked up and stopped, but his wife continued forwards into the path of the tram and was struck."

A spokesman for BTS said it was unable to comment.

[Chris from Nailsea]

An update, from the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Blackpool tram driver summonsed over pedestrian death

A tram driver has been summonsed to appear in court charged with causing the death of a pedestrian in Blackpool.
Maureen Foxwell, 70, of Trinant, Caerphilly county, was on holiday with her husband when she was struck by a tram near the Norbreck stop last year.
The decision to charge driver Paul Edensor follows a report into the incident by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB^▸ (Rail Accident Investigation Branch)).
The 36-year-old will appear at Blackpool Magistrates' Court on 8 July.
Mrs Foxwell, who had been in the resort celebrating her birthday, suffered multiple injuries when she was struck on 5 August 2009.
She was initially taken to a local hospital but later moved to Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, to be closer to her family. She died on 12 September 2009.
On Wednesday, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was sufficient evidence to charge the driver, and that it was in the public interest.
Mr Edensor is accused of causing death by driving without due care and attention.
"Summonses have been obtained from Blackpool Magistrates' Court and will now be served on Paul Edensor," said a CPS spokeswoman.
"Mrs Foxwell's family have been informed of the CPS decision."

[grahame]

Blackpool Transport have announced that the heritage tram service will be suspended

Full statement below

“Following a thorough review, we have made the difficult decision to suspend our Heritage Tram Tours. Operating the Heritage Trams alongside our modern fleet has become increasingly challenging, with issues such as depot space, tram movements, general safety and maintenance conflicts making it difficult to continue running the service effectively.

This decision was not taken lightly, but we believe it is the most practical step to support the evolving needs of our business and maintain the overall efficiency of our operations. As part of our efforts to future-proof and safely grow our core tram network following the North Station extension, we are introducing advanced safety systems, including the Obstacle Detection Assistance System (ODAS) and the Collision and Overspeed Monitoring and Prevention Assistance System (COMPASS). These technologies are essential to maintaining safety, especially during busy times such as the summer, illuminations and festive seasons. The systems also allow us to improve operational efficiency, and ensure the sustainability of the network.

The Heritage Trams are a cherished part of Blackpool’s history, and we fully recognise their importance to the community, however, ensuring the ongoing safety and sustainability of the service has become increasingly complex. This pause provides an opportunity to reflect on the role of Heritage trams within a modernised and safe tramway network.

By reassessing their operation, we aim to explore new ways to honour Blackpool’s rich transport heritage while maintaining our commitment to a safe, efficient, and future-focused service. We are dedicated to finding innovative opportunities to honour and showcase Blackpool’s iconic tramway history, and we thank you for your understanding as we work towards this”

The link for the full statement by Blackpool Transport can be found below https://blackpoolheritage.com/heritage-operations-update/

What does the future hold for the old heritage trams?
And does this statement all but confirm the permanent ceasing of heritage tram operations in Blackpool

[Oxonhutch]

Looks like my chances of driving a heritage tram along the promenade are now zero. Very sad.

[grahame]

Looks like my chances of driving a heritage tram along the promenade are now zero. Very sad.

I'm taking the liberty of sharing a few pictures here ... and wondering, also sad, whether "heritage" or "history" is the right board for this

[Oxonhutch]

As a kid in the 1960s, a (very slow) drive along the promenade at the latter part of the illumination season was an annual event in our family care of dad's trusty Triumph Herald RTB 508 C. The run, always northbound from Starr Gate, ended at Red Bank Road, Bispham where we turned inland and home. The single track tramline to the then disused Bispham tram depot still ran down the middle of the road, and was fascinating to my young self. It was a sad year when they finally disappeared.

[grahame]

Clarification of a most unfortunate wording originally put out, or a chance of policy in light of public reaction?

“As Managing Director of Blackpool Transport, I would like to reach out to everyone who has expressed their concerns about the future of the Heritage Tram operation. I am the biggest advocate for the preservation and future of our beautiful assets.

I can confirm that the future of our heritage trams is safe and we aim to have them back on the Promenade next year. However, before that can happen there are a number of complex operational issues that need to be addressed.

“Recently we have been able to run the heritage trams out of Starr Gate depot which does not interfere with the ongoing works at Rigby Road. We are considering how this could provide a solution to some of the challenges we are currently facing.

It is also important to clarify that the suspension of tram tours does not affect plans for the Rigby Road tram shed. In fact, it highlights the importance of bringing our vision for Tramtown to life to preserve Blackpool’s heritage.

“Blackpool Transport Services and Blackpool Council remain committed to continue working with all our volunteers, supporters and stakeholders during this pause in the operational running of the heritage fleet”

Press release from Jane Cole, Managing Director of Blackpool Transport

[RichardB]

Clarification, I think.  Good news anyway.