'Tram-vehicle crashes decreasing due to installation of dividing barriers'
In the bustling city of Melbourne, public transport plays a crucial role in daily life, with over 200 million tram journeys completed every year. However, with such extensive use comes the risk of vehicle-to-tram collisions.
To address this issue, the city has implemented separation kerbing - raised concrete rails or humps that separate tram tracks from the road. This physical barrier is designed to prevent motor vehicles from crossing paths with trams, reducing the risk of collisions.
According to urban traffic engineering principles, the installation of separation kerbing is typically effective in reducing vehicle-to-tram collisions. By segregating vehicle lanes from tram tracks, it prevents encroachment of cars into tram corridors, enhancing safety by guiding vehicles away from tram paths and reducing conflict points and crash risks.
In 2021, separation kerbing was installed on key streets in Melbourne's CBD, including Bourke, Collins, and Elizabeth streets, resulting in an approximate 30% reduction in vehicle-to-tram collisions. However, without specific data post-installation, the precise effectiveness cannot be quantified here. For a definitive evaluation, one would refer to traffic safety studies or reports by Melbourne transport authorities analysing vehicle-to-tram collision statistics before and after kerbing installation.
Motorists are advised to always give way to oncoming trams due to the significant weight difference between a car and a tram. At certain tram stops, passengers may board or alight directly from the road. In such cases, motorists must come to a halt behind the tram, allow all passengers to board and alight, and wait until the doors close before continuing.
The city plans to lay five more kilometres of kerbing along Latrobe, Flinders, Swanston, Spring, Market, and Spencer streets between August and November 2022.
When driving near trams, motorists should stay alert for trams and not move into the path of an oncoming tram. U-turns should not be attempted across tram tracks if an oncoming tram is present or if crossing a solid line is necessary. Motorists are also advised to avoid driving on tram tracks where possible and not to block tram tracks when making a right turn in a hook turn-only intersection.
If turning, motorists should wait until they're 50 meters from the turn before crossing onto the tram tracks. Trams cannot swerve like cars, buses, or trucks, and if a vehicle crosses into the path of an oncoming tram, the only option tram drivers can take is to brake.
Pedestrians should also stay alert, as they can suddenly dart in front of traffic to avoid missing trams. Motorists should always drive carefully and stay focused on the road to ensure the safety of all road users.
Financing for the installation of separation kerbing in Melbourne's CBD was primarily sourced from the city's transportation budget within the finance industry. It is anticipated that the continued expansion of separation kerbing in key thoroughfares like Latrobe, Flinders, Swanston, Spring, Market, and Spencer streets will significantly improve traffic mobility and safety within the transportation sector.
