Trams or LRT systems

Light rapid transit (LRT) systems, or ‘metros’, are being introduced in many large towns and cities to provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly form of public transport.

Tram systems are common throughout Europe and there are plans to introduce them to more cities in the UK.

Trams may operate completely separately from other traffic or they may run on roads open to other traffic. As they run on rails, they’re fixed in the route they follow and can’t manoeuvre around other road users. The vehicles may run singly or as multiple units, and may be up to 60 metres (about 200 feet) long.

Remember that trams are quiet, move quickly and can’t steer to avoid you.

The area occupied by a tram is marked by paving or markings on the road surface. This ‘swept path’ must always be kept clear. Anticipate well ahead and never stop on or across the tracks or markings except when in queuing traffic or at traffic lights.

Take extra care when you first encounter trams until you’re accustomed to dealing with the different traffic system.

Crossing points

Deal with these in exactly the same way as normal railway crossings.

Also bear in mind the speed and silent approach of trams.

Reserved areas

Drivers mustn’t enter ‘reserved areas’ for the trams, which are marked with white line markings, a different type of surface, or both.

The reserved areas are usually one-way, but may sometimes be two-way.

Hazards

The steel rails can be slippery whether it’s wet or dry. Try to avoid driving on the rails and take extra care when braking or turning on them, to avoid the risk of skidding.

Take care also where

• the tracks run close to the kerb to pick up or set down passengers
• the lines move from one side of the road to the other.

Tram stops

Where a tram stops at a platform, either in the middle or at the side of the road, follow the route shown by road signs and markings. If there’s no passing lane signed, wait behind the tram until it moves off.

At stops without platforms, don’t drive between a tram and the left-hand kerb when the tram has stopped to pick up or set down passengers.

Warning signs and signals

Obey all warning signs or signals controlling traffic. Where there are no signals, always give way to trams.

Diamond-shaped signs or white light signals give instructions to tram drivers only.

Do

• watch out for additional pedestrian crossings where passengers will be getting on and off the trams. You must stop for them
• make allowances for other road users who may not be familiar with tram systems
• be especially aware of the problems of cyclists, motorcyclists and moped riders. Their narrow tyres can put them at risk of slipping on or getting stuck in the tram rails.

Don’t

• try to race a tram where there isn’t enough road space for both vehicles side by side; remember the end of the vehicle swings out on bends
• overtake at tram stops
• drive between platforms at tramway stations. Follow the direction signs
• park so that your vehicle obstructs the trams or would force other drivers to do so. Remember that a tram can’t steer round an obstruction.