TfL Urges Greater Vigilance Around Croydon Tram Tracks as Safety Concerns Persist

Engineering works and a rare reverse-running trial highlight the importance of public awareness as London's tram network prepares for major infrastructure upgrades.

Transport for London (TfL) has issued a renewed appeal for pedestrians and motorists to take greater care around the Croydon tram network after revealing the frequency of near misses and collisions involving the system.

The warning comes as London Trams prepares for a significant programme of engineering work this summer, including an unusual operational trial that has seen trams running in the opposite direction around Croydon's town centre loop for the first time in years.

Rare Reverse Running Supports Major Upgrade

Ahead of a three-week closure beginning in August, TfL has been testing trams travelling anti-clockwise around the Croydon loop between Reeves Corner, Church Street, George Street and East Croydon.

The trial has been designed to ensure trams operating on the eastern side of the network can continue accessing the Therapia Lane depot for routine maintenance and safety inspections while part of the network is closed for track renewal.

The engineering programme, running from 6 August until 30 August, will see around half a mile of tram track replaced between Tamworth Road (Centrale) and Wellesley Road.

During the works, services will continue to operate between Wimbledon and Reeves Corner, and between East Croydon and Beckenham Junction, Elmers End and New Addington, reducing the need for replacement bus services.

Investment Aimed at Improving Reliability

TfL says the project forms part of its long-term asset renewal programme, replacing ageing sections of track before they become prone to failures requiring emergency repairs.

Mark Davis, General Manager of London Trams, said the work would ultimately deliver a more reliable service despite the short-term disruption.

"Replacing older sections of track now will reduce the need for reactive repairs in the future and improve reliability across the network. While we recognise the inconvenience these works will cause, they represent an important investment in the long-term resilience of the tramway."

Pedestrian Safety Remains a Major Concern

Alongside the operational changes, Davis has highlighted growing concerns about the number of incidents involving pedestrians distracted while crossing tram tracks.

He said mobile phone use has become an increasing factor in near misses, particularly in busy areas such as George Street, Church Street and outside East Croydon station, where the tramway shares space with pedestrians.

According to TfL, the network experiences approximately one reported road traffic collision each month, with many incidents involving motorists ignoring traffic signals and crossing the tramway in front of approaching trams.

Even more concerning, the network records around one reported pedestrian near miss every day, underlining the ongoing safety challenge faced by tram drivers operating through Croydon town centre.

Appeal to Road Users

TfL is urging everyone using the town centre to remain alert when crossing tram tracks, particularly where the tramway runs alongside roads and pedestrian areas.

Drivers are being reminded to obey traffic signals at all times, while pedestrians are encouraged to avoid distractions such as mobile phones and headphones when crossing the tram route.

With around 20 million passenger journeys made on the London Trams network last year, TfL says maintaining both infrastructure and public awareness will remain essential to ensuring the safe operation of one of the capital's busiest light rail systems.

As engineering work continues to modernise the network, transport officials hope improved infrastructure—combined with greater public vigilance—will help reduce incidents and keep passengers, pedestrians and motorists moving safely across Croydon.