Tram rules flouted by Melbourne drivers

Melbourne’s leadfoot drivers are snubbing their noses at this important rule at least once a day, putting tram passengers’ lives at risk. We reveal the routes with the worst offenders.

Leadfoot drivers are illegally driving past stopped trams in record numbers, and motorists are snubbing their noses at the road rule at least once a day in Melbourne.

Figures obtained by the Herald Sun show that tram drivers reported the dangerous activity to Yarra Trams 456 times last year.

Alarmingly, 28 of these reports involved a person being hit by a car and six people were taken to hospital.

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The statistics are a sharp jump from the 314 cases reported when figures were last released in 2013-2014, and rising congestion is believed to be behind the increase.

The real number of offences could be much higher — the results rely on drivers reporting the incidents, and most older model trams do not have road-facing cameras.

Congestion is believed to be behind the sharp rise. Picture: Andrew Tauber

The figures also show that route 11 had the most reports in 2018, followed by route 86. Both lines go through busy and congested areas such as Smith and Brunswick streets in Fitzroy and High St in Northcote.

Yarra Trams spokesman Calum Smyth said the operator worked closely with ­Victoria Police to ensure drivers did the right thing.

“We remind all motorists to be vigilant of trams and give way to passengers as they get on and off trams,” he said.

The issue has become a major concern for road authorities because of the serious safety risks for pedestrians. Anyone who does not give way to passengers is liable to a $379 fine and three demerit points.

Public Transport Users Association spokesman Daniel Bowen said dangerous driving had caused deaths in the past.

“We know traffic congestion is steadily getting worse but motorists do need to have patience and keep safety in mind,” he said.

“It is an incredible risk to overtake a stopped tram, and it might save a few seconds at most. Authorities should also be looking at how they can better track these offences.

“I would hope people remember the rules they learn when they get their licence initially … It is common sense and trams have signs to make it obvious.”

BY THE NUMBERS

Route 11: 58 reports

Route 86: 39 reports

Route 12: 35 reports

Route 72: 33 reports

Route 19: 32 reports