On Sunday, 22 June 2025, at approximately 16:14, an incident occurred on the South Yorkshire Supertram network involving a tram colliding with two pedestrians at the Staniforth Road footpath crossing in Sheffield. The tram was travelling at a speed of around 17 mph (27 km/h) at the time of the collision. Both pedestrians were subsequently transported to hospital, with one suffering serious injuries and the other sustaining minor injuries.
The investigation revealed that the pedestrians were not aware of the tram approaching as they crossed into its path. This lack of awareness stemmed from their failure to recognise the tram’s approach, compounded by the absence of effective auditory warnings from the tram’s warning devices. Moreover, the layout of the crossing and the signage present did not adequately inform the pedestrians of the potential risk posed by the tram.
A significant underlying issue contributing to this incident was the ineffective management of risk at the Staniforth Road footpath crossing by South Yorkshire Future Trams Ltd, the operator and maintainer of the tram network, along with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, which owns the network.
Investigative Findings and Contributing Factors
The investigation also highlighted that the severity of injuries sustained by one of the pedestrians could have been exacerbated due to a raised cobble surface located just beyond the crossing area. This finding underscores the importance of not only ensuring that warning systems are effective but also that the physical environment surrounding crossings is safe and conducive to pedestrian safety.
Recommendations for Improved Safety
In response to the findings, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has put forward three key recommendations. The first recommendation urges South Yorkshire Future Trams Ltd and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to persist in their review of risk assessments at the Staniforth Road footpath crossing and to implement necessary control measures to enhance safety.
The second recommendation focuses on addressing inconsistencies in the use of audible warnings by trams, aiming to establish a uniform approach across the entire network. This is crucial for ensuring that pedestrians are adequately alerted to the presence of approaching trams.
Lastly, the RAIB recommends that South Yorkshire Future Trams Ltd and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, in collaboration with other relevant local transport organisations, conduct a thorough assessment of all locations within the South Yorkshire Supertram network where there exists a credible risk of pedestrian tram collisions. Appropriate modifications should be made to mitigate the risk of injuries in these areas.
Commitment to Safety Improvement
The primary objective of the RAIB is to prevent future accidents and enhance railway safety, rather than to assign blame or liability. The organisation operates with a commitment to transparency and independence, maintaining close communications with railway companies to ensure that any safety concerns identified during investigations are promptly communicated to the relevant parties prior to the publication of final reports.
For media inquiries, please reach out via telephone at 01932 440015.
Newsdate: 22 June 2026
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