Urgent call for cameras on Melbourne trams

The Public Transport Users Association wants every Melbourne tram to have cameras fitted on the outside to film incidents and near-misses with cars and pedestrians and says there is an “urgent” need to protect passengers.

Cameras would be fitted to the outside of every tram in Melbourne under a new push by the Public Transport Users Association.

Newer trams can record incidents and near-misses but the association has warned recent issues have shown the whole fleet must be fitted with cameras.

Driver behaviour has become so bad that authorities have joined forces to push a new ‘Trams Can’t Swerve’ campaign out over the summer. Picture: Alex White

PTUA spokesman Daniel Bowen said the rules were often broken and the result could be fatal. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Newer model trams have can film footage to report incidents and near-misses. Picture: Sarah Matray

In 2018, there were 1112 collisions recorded between trams and cars and 51 with people.

Drivers also reported 456 times when motorists flouted the rules and drove past a tram while it was stopped for passengers.

PTUA spokesman Daniel Bowen said the rules were often broken and the result could be fatal.

“There is an urgent need for firm action to protect passengers,” he said.

“In the long-term, more accessible tram platform stops will help safety, but the progress on these is incredibly slow.”

MORE NEWS

MORE CHARGES LAID OVER PATRICK CRONIN BRAWL

FEARS FOR VICTORIAN MISSING IN CROC TERRITORY

GIPPSLAND FIRES COULD BURN FOR ‘MONTHS’

Driver behaviour has become so bad authorities have joined forces to launch a “Trams Can’t Swerve” campaign for summer.

“It’s not OK to recklessly try to beat the tram, and it’s not OK to overtake when it’s stopped,” Mr Bowen said.

[e-mail]