TRANSPORT FOR Greater Manchester has appointed DB ESG to deliver new safety equipment to prevent over-speeding of trams on its Metrolink network. This is in response to recommendations made by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch following the tragic derailment at Sandilands in Croydon in 2016, when a tram overturned.
DB ESG – working in partnership with Sella Controls – will design, install, test and commission the Driver Vigilance Devices and Tram Overspeed Protection Systems for the entire Metrolink fleet of 147 trams. The new system will use GPS and other information to determine the location and speed of the tram.
In the event of over-speeding, the driver will be alerted, and if there is no response, the brakes will be applied automatically. The TOPS system will operate independently of other tram monitoring systems. 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.
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.
“Metrolink is the largest and most complex light rail system in the country. We have worked very closely with leading industry experts to ensure we get the right solution and we look forward to working with DB ESG to deliver them.”
The installation follows the derailment of London Tramlink Bombardier CR4000 tram 2551 on November 9, 2016, which derailed and overturned on a sharp curve at Sandilands Junction in Croydon, killing seven passengers and injuring a further 62, 19 of whom suffered serious injuries.
Metrolink trams are already fitted with a device that appli
