Blackpool's iconic tram network has been hit by safety concerns, with the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) identifying a potential risk of derailment or collision due to worn wheel components known as bogies. The Labour-run council has stressed that the issues are already being addressed, but opposition politicians are demanding answers over maintenance investment.
Safety Warning and Political Fallout
The ORR issued an improvement notice to Blackpool Transport, stating that the operator had failed to take appropriate measures to control risks that could lead to derailment or collision. The notice requires remedial action by June 19. Councillor Paul Galley, leader of Blackpool's Conservative opposition, questioned why the council had not sustained maintenance funding after receiving nearly £70 million from the government in 2009 to modernise the tramway system, including new track, trams, and a depot.
Galley said: "Back in 2009, the Government provided Blackpool with more than £68 million to completely modernise the tramway system... A key part of that long-term investment plan was ensuring the trams were properly maintained and that funding was set aside for renewal and ongoing upkeep of the fleet." He added that questions need to be asked about why investment was not sustained, especially as the council received millions in dividends from Blackpool Transport. "It is deeply concerning that we now find ourselves almost back in the same position as we were before the 2009 upgrade — dealing with worn equipment and serious concerns about maintenance standards," he said.
Council Response and Assurance
Councillor Mark Smith, Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for wholly owned companies, defended the council's record. He said: "Having a council owned public transport company ensures that services people rely on to get to work and see family are accessible. Routes and frequencies are based on people’s needs not profit." He noted that significant investment has been made in Blackpool Transport to carry out maintenance and keep people safe. "A large proportion of the improvement notice relates to documentation and processes, along with how maintenance is reported, items which have been rectified. This isn’t about trams being left to rot, but making sure that the documentation around decisions is done properly," he added.
Operator and Manufacturer Statements
Blackpool Transport said it has worked closely with the ORR and has already made improvements to maintenance reporting processes. A spokesperson said: "Safety has always been our top priority, with appropriate measures put into place to address any potential risks." The fleet of Bombardier Flexity 2 trams has been in operation since 2012. Manufacturer Alstom stated it was "not aware of any specific risks" but noted that the parts in question are subject to continuous wear and must be maintained within strict intervals. Alstom added that while other customers receive servicing from them, Blackpool Transport does maintenance in-house.
