Jennette Arnold OBE AM, Chair of the London Assembly, said:
“With the publication of today’s report - our thoughts are with the families and friends of the people who died in this terrible incident.
They will want answers. They will want assurances that there was nothing more anyone could have done for their loved one - and that no one else will have to go through the pain they have suffered.
We welcome the publication of this report but realise that changes will need to be made. The London Assembly will ensure it continues to monitor the response to the Croydon tram crash and pushes for the necessary changes to prevent anything like it from happening again.”
Steve O’Connell AM, Assembly Member for Croydon and Sutton, said:
“The tram crash shocked the Croydon community. Today’s report reminds us of the terrible day it happened. But this is important because it must never be allowed to happen again.
The tragedy affected many lives and we must take the time to digest this complex report fully, before assessing its implications and responding as a community.
The tram is an integral part of Croydon’s transport network but it must be safe. Transport for London and tram operators needs to ensure that lessons are learned and recommendations implemented.”
Keith Prince AM, Chairman of the London Assembly Transport Committee, said:
“Both tram operators and Transport for London (TfL) need to take urgent steps to prevent such a dreadful tragedy from ever happening again. However, we are encouraged to learn that some tramway organisations have already started work to rectify a number of issues which have been raised.
We fully support the fitting of stronger glass, the availability of in-tram CCTV systems, speed restrictions, better signage and the implementation of driver fatigue warnings. We also want to stress to TfL that it needs to act swiftly on these recommendations and ensure that safety is their first priority.”
Notes to editors
- Steve O’Connell AM, Assembly Member for Croydon and Sutton is available for interview - see contact details below.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Alison Bell on 020 7983 4228. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.