On 9 November 2016, a tram overturned whilst travelling at a speed of over three times the speed limit when approaching a sharp curve around Sandilands junction, a stop in a residential area east of Croydon. [1]
This crash resulted in seven deaths and 61 passengers injured, 19 of which were serious. [2]
In July 2023, Transport for London (TfL) was fined £10m and Tram Operations Limited (TOL) fined £4m for the Croydon tram crash failings after pleading guilty to offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
The London Assembly Transport Committee will meet tomorrow as they investigate London’s tram network and how the Sandilands crash has impacted safety measures. The Committee will also look at tram funding, whether it is fulfilling its purpose, and to examine whether there are any opportunities to expand the network to improve transport links across London.
London’s tram network first opened in May 2000, but despite various plans to expand the network across the city, there have been no new routes added to date, due to funding issues and the impact of the pandemic.
Tram services are operated by Tram Operations Limited (TOL), a subsidiary of First Group, and run from Croydon to Wimbledon, Beckenham Junction, Elmers End and New Addington.
Guests at the meeting include:
- Mark Davis, General Manager, Trams, TfL
- Trish Ashton, Director of Rail and Sponsored Services, TfL
- Ben Groome, Managing Director, Tram Operations Ltd
- James Hammett, Managing Director, UK Tram
- Carl Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Light Rail Safety and Standards Board
The meeting will take place on Wednesday 27 September from 10am, in The Chamber, at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
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Notes to editors
- Report 18/2017: Overturning of a tram at Sandilands junction, Croydon - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Report 18/2017: Overturning of a tram at Sandilands junction, Croydon - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
- Full agenda papers.
- Keith Prince AM, Chairman of the Transport Committee, is available for interview
- Find out more about the work of the Transport Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more information, please contact Tony Smyth in the Assembly Media Office on 07510 488715. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.