Croydon tram crash prompts introduction of automatic braking

Set to be introduced by the end of 2019, the system will automatically bring trams to a stop if they are exceeding the speed limit in certain locations. The 2016 accident was caused by a tram carrying excess speed into a sharp bend near the Sandilands stop, travelling 73km/h through a section with a 20km/h limit. After the tram derailed, passengers were thrown through the glass in vehicle’s windows and doors. In addition to the seven fatalities, 19 other passengers were treated for serious injuries.

The contract for the design and installation of the automatic braking system has been awarded to Derby-based Engineering Support Group Limited (ESG), a subsidiary of government-owned German rail operator Deutsche Bahn. The technology will operate alongside the driver protection device that has been in operation since September 2017, alerting to any signs of driver distraction and fatigue. A Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) investigation in the wake of the Croydon crash found that fatigue – possibly resulting in the driver momentarily falling asleep –  may have been a factor in the incident.