The Rail Accident Branch has released its report into a fatal incident involving a pedestrian and a tram in Cleveleys, Lancashire.

At around 18:11 on Wednesday 24th November 2021, a pedestrian was crossing the Blackpool Tramway near Anchorsholme Park in Cleveleys when they were struck by a tram.

The pedestrian lived locally and was fatally injured as a result of the collision.

The tram was travelling at 20mph on the southbound journey from Fleetwood Ferry towards Starr Gate.

At the time of the accident, it was dark, and the pedestrian was crossing an uncontrolled crossing which passes over both tracks and is situated south of the road junction that is controlled by traffic signals.

The investigation has found that the tram driver was unaware of the pedestrian until it was too late to take action.

The pedestrian was ‘seemingly unaware’ of the trams speed and how close it was until it was also too late.

The RAIB has made three recommendations as a result of its investigation:

• The first is that Blackpool Transport Services should review its process of identifying and assessing the risks from tramway activities.
• The second is for Blackpool Council to review its process of identifying and assessing the risks from tramway activities, adopting and embedding best light rail industry practice.
• The third is to Blackpool Council to review its audit process of Blackpool Transport Services.

Additionally, the RAIB has identified two learning points:

1. Staff should have clear processes of reporting near misses.
2. Tram operators need to have periodic checks of tram headlights and their alignment.