'We would have died': Metrolink statement as tram caught on camera crossing road with traffic lights on green
Metrolink bosses have issued a statement after a driver was left shaken by a tram crossing a busy road while traffic lights allowed cars past.
The motorist, who asked to stay anonymous, claims he ‘would have definitely died’ had he been slightly ‘a second earlier’ in reaching traffic lights on Northenden Road in Sale, where the tram crossed over the tarmac.
Dashcam footage from Sunday evening (September 21) shows a tram appearing from the left, crossing the road to enter the Northern Moor station, while traffic lights for cars were on green.
Both the driver’s car, and another vehicle moving in the opposite direction, appear to stop safely. It does not appear a crash took place and no injuries were reported.
But the incident has shaken the driver, who said: “This tram just came out, I always slow down a bit and approach junction lights due to anticipation of a red light.
“As we were approaching the junction the tram just pulled out. I was so shocked and [went] straight on the brakes.
“Then I checked the [traffic] lights again to see if they were on red, and noticed the green was on. Looking at the tram operator’s face, he didn’t even notice that he just crossed a red light.
“If we were there just a second earlier we would have definitely died. He wasn’t that slow, and imagine the impact of that heavy metal tram with a Toyota Yaris. My car would have been squashed flat.”
Metrolink bosses have since confirmed a signal fault occurred.
Ian Davies, Metrolink Network Director at Transport for Greater Manchester TfGM), said: “A signal fault was reported at the location shown in the dashcam footage but that has now been fixed, with all trams operating as normal.
“We take all matters relating to safety extremely seriously, and staff from TfGM and the Metrolink operator were there while repairs were made and to support the tram crossing the junction at caution and in accordance with the Highway Code.”