Looking out
for your safety
Important information for
passengers, pedestrians and drivers
Whether you’re using the Metrolink service
for the first time, living near it or coming across
it during your daily life, this leaflet contains
helpful advice about the safety issues you
need to be aware of and the signs and
symbols to look out for.
Things you should know about
your Metrolink trams
Tramway
• Trams are much wider than the tracks they run on and in most places
there are no barriers separating the trams from the pavement
• Trams often run through pedestrian areas, with contrasting paving
showing the vehicles’ path. Stay outside this marked area when there
is a tram nearby
• Because they run on tracks, trams can’t swerve to avoid obstacles
• Trams are large and make very little noise
• Trams travel at speeds up to the permitted speed limit
• Trams have a warning horn which is sounded if there are obstacles
in its path
• Trams can stop within a short distance if necessary
• When sharing the highway with other vehicles, trams travel at speeds up
to the permitted speed limit.
3
Your safety as a pedestrian
Your safety as a passenger
If trams are running through the areas that you walk through, you will
need to take extra care and keep a look out for certain signs and symbols
(see page 10).
Even if you have used Metrolink before, there are a number of safety
aspects you should be aware of at your new stop.
• Cross the tracks using a pedestrian crossing where possible, especially
where trams run alongside other road traffic
All Metrolink stops have closed circuit television (CCTV), which is installed
so that our Passenger Services team can monitor the stop and help ensure
your safety.
• Always look both ways when crossing the tracks
• Take particular care when using headphones or a mobile phone,
as you may not hear a tram coming or hear its warning horn
• Take particular care when crossing a road that has three traffic lanes
where a reserved tram lane has been added.
...at your stop
...on the tram
• Keep well clear of the
platform edge as the tram
arrives and departs
• Remember to use the hand rails or
straps if you are standing – it’s
easy to lose your balance when the
tram brakes or accelerates
• Remember that tram doors open
outward slightly so don’t stand
too close as the tram comes
to a stop
• Let people get off the tram
first before you try and get on
• Do not go beyond the ‘No
unauthorised access’ signs
• Remember to use the passenger
help point in an emergency – this
connects you directly with the
Metrolink control room, so that
we can deal with the issue as
soon as possible
4
• Remember to apply the brake on
your pushchair or pram
• Wheelchair users should use the
special bays provided, ideally
placing the back of the wheelchair
against the padded backrest.
Always apply the brake
• Don’t use the doors while the
door-closing-tone is sounding
5
Your safety as a driver
Driving along roads on which trams also travel is perfectly safe, but if
Metrolink is new to your area you may be unfamiliar with sharing the road
with the tram.
• You must not enter a road, lane or other route reserved for trams.
These are indicated by signs, changes in the road surface and road markings.
• Where trams run along the road, you should avoid driving directly on top of
the rails to avoid skidding.
• You should avoid following the rails to make sure they do not lead you onto
a route reserved for trams.
• Where possible, motorcyclists should cross the tracks at right angles
and should exercise caution when crossing at a shallow angle.
• Always give way to trams. Be extra careful where a track crosses the road
as trams have their own traffic signals and may be permitted to move
when you are not.
• Do not overtake or pass trams unless they are at tram stops or in a designated
tram lane.
• You must not stop or park your vehicle where it would get in the way of
trams or where it would force other drivers to do so. Obstruction of the tram
could lead to your vehicle being towed away.
• Where the tram stops at a platform, either in the middle or at the side of the
road, you must follow the route shown by the road signs and markings.
• Always give way to trams when they signal to pull away from stops.
• Look out for pedestrians, especially children, running to catch a tram or getting
off a bus or tram and crossing the road.
• Further guidance is available in the Highway Code.
In an emergency
If you get into difficulty on the tramway itself, for instance if your vehicle
breaks down, please follow these safety steps:
• Get everyone out of the vehicle immediately if it is safe to do so
• Get your vehicle off the tramway if you can do so safely
• Warn other traffic by putting on your hazard warning lights
• Keep your lights on if it is dark or if visibility is poor
• Dial 999 and ask for the police.
6
7
Overhead electric lines
Reserved tram lane in Audenshaw
You should make sure you have sufficient clearance between the overhead
wire and your vehicle (including any load you are carrying) before driving
under an overhead wire.
A reserved tram lane, indicated with red surfacing, operates on Droylsden Road
between Lumb Lane and Droylsden Metrolink stop – in that direction only.
Tramway overhead wires are normally 5.8 metres above any carriageway,
but can be lower.
When driving in the same direction as the tram, you should drive in the nearside
traffic lane (the left hand lane) with the reserved tram lane on your right.
Where overhead wires are set lower than 5.8 metres, these will be indicated
by height clearance markings similar to ‘low bridge’ signs. The height
clearances on these plates should be carefully noted and observed.
If you are in any doubt as to whether your vehicle will pass safely under the
wires, you should always contact the local police or Metrolink. Never take a
chance as this can be extremely hazardous.
When travelling from the Droylsden Metrolink stop towards Lumb Lane you
must not stray across the double white lines in the centre of the road into the
reserved tram lane.
Drivers of vehicles with extending cranes, booms, tipping apparatus or other
types of variable height equipment should ensure that the equipment is
fully lowered.
You should also take extra care when crossing a reserved tram lane from a side road.
The overhead line should be treated as ‘live’ at all times.
You must not enter a reserved tram lane at any time except in the
following situations:
• if instructed to do so by the Police
• to cross or wait in the reserved tram lane to enter or leave a vehicular
access or driveway
• to cross or wait in the reserved tram lane to enter or leave a side road,
provided there is no restriction prohibiting the movement
• to overtake a stationary vehicle, a cycle or horse travelling at less
than 10mph
• to avoid an accident or obstruction.
If you need to enter the reserved tram lane for any of these reasons
when travelling towards Ashton-under-Lyne, be aware that trams may
be coming towards you.
However, if you are travelling towards Manchester and need to enter the
reserved tram lane, trams may come up behind you.
8
9
Signs for pedestrians and drivers
Signs for pedestrians
Look both ways before
crossing the tracks
The lights flash when
a tram is approaching
Signs for drivers
Watch out for trams
crossing ahead
Routes where other
traffic is prohibited
Instructions for tram
drivers on the right
Signs for tram drivers
Other road users should
ignore these signs
10
11
Further information
For comprehensive accessibility information and the full details of the
facilities available at every stop, please visit the Metrolink website.
A leaflet ‘Looking out for your safety: important information for cyclists’
is available at www.metrolink.co.uk/using-the-network
For more information contact:
Customer Services
Metrolink House
Queens Road
Manchester
M8 0RY
Tel: 0161 205 2000
www.metrolink.co.uk/safety
If you would like this information
in other formats, please phone
Traveline on 0871 200 22 33.
7am – 8pm Mon to Fri, 8am – 8pm Sat, Sun & public
holidays. Calls cost 10p a minute plus network extras.
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