Just got into work very late, been waiting almost 40mins for my tram from Hillsborough.

According to the ticket conducter on the tram a white lorry drove up onto the Ponds Forge tram bridge by mistake and panicked and accidently killed a pedestrian in the process trying to get the van off the bridge.

Hope this isn't accurate, it's very sad news if it's true:(

Anyone else heard anything?

Originally posted by skyfitsboy
Just got into work very late, been waiting almost 40mins for my tram from Hillsborough.

According to the ticket conducter on the tram a white lorry drove up onto the Ponds Forge tram bridge by mistake and panicked and accidently killed a pedestrian in the process trying to get the van off the bridge.

Hope this isn't accurate, it's very sad news if it's true:(

Anyone else heard anything?

I came past at 10:30 on the tram.
It is all true (Isaw the van and police) BUT not sure if it was a Fatal. All the area is taped off.

Was stuck at Hyde Park tram stop for more than 30 mins this morning about 9ish trying to get to Arena but trams were stopped in both directions.

On a couple of trams coming from Meadowhall into town, they were telling people to get off at Hyde Park and walk the rest of the way as they couldn't get through.

The driver on one of the trams told us that the accident was fatal but he didn't know much more than that.

Awww...thats a real shame if someone did get killed....:(

That is awful :(

Lovely morning, strolling into work (or whatever happened) and Bam!

Makes you think :(

Originally posted by venger
Makes you think :(

The number of cars you see go down the tram lines past the cathedral and have to 'hop off' further down (sometimes as far as Fitzallen Square) indicates that signage is inadequate.

Not long after the tram was commissioned I saw an articulated lorry go down the side of the cathedral and got to the tram bridge before he realised his mistake. Took a couple of hours to reverse it back up to High Street where it could get off and back onto the road!

Stupid for walking in to the tracks! :loopy:

Originally posted by MarkB
Stupid for walking in to the tracks! :loopy:

So you know what happened then MarkB ?

Do share with us please.

Originally posted by MarkB
Stupid for walking in to the tracks! :loopy:

Unfortunate more like!

From what I've was told on the tram the van mounted the pedestrian sidewalk of the bridge killing the person, what was they supposed to do jump off the bridge to avoid the van hitting them and falling into loads of lanes of traffic below!:loopy:

Gosh thats terrible. I went over Park Square roundabout this morning and saw several vehicles where the tram crosses tracks... My first thought was how they all got up there, until I saw the cop-car and knew there must have been an accident. This was at 9.45am...

Originally posted by MarkB
Stupid for walking in to the tracks! :loopy:

Stupid for posting such a stupid comment. :loopy:

I used to walk over that way a lot and saw a number of cars drive up onto the bridge. So, so dangerous.

Originally posted by spiffymonkey
The number of cars you see go down the tram lines past the cathedral and have to 'hop off' further down (sometimes as far as Fitzallen Square) indicates that signage is inadequate.

Not long after the tram was commissioned I saw an articulated lorry go down the side of the cathedral and got to the tram bridge before he realised his mistake. Took a couple of hours to reverse it back up to High Street where it could get off and back onto the road!

I really hope the correct dept look into signage for that area to make it clear for vehicles that it's trams only. Seen a car go up there once ages ago and wondered how the hell they were going to get back out safely.

That poor person - they wouldn't have stood a chance along there if the van had mounted the pavement. How horrid and scary.

Full story here:

http://www.thisissheffield.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=58&ArticleID=1024760

Originally posted by pietro
Full story here:

http://www.thisissheffield.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=58&ArticleID=1024760

It must be terrible for all involved. My sincere condolences go out to her family, and to the lorry driver who sounds like he was just caught up in an unfortunate series of errors.

Aww, that really is sad news, feel so sorry for the poor lady who was killed and of course for her loved ones. :(

The council really does need to put better signage up, it's amzing this hasnt happened before now.

It really is awful, and could so easily have been avoided.

How simple would it be to stick a no entry sign in the middle of the two sets of tracks, I am pretty sure there would be room for the trams to still pass safely. That would make it a lot clearer to motorists.

Originally posted by march
It really is awful, and could so easily have been avoided.

How simple would it be to stick a no entry sign in the middle of the two sets of tracks, I am pretty sure there would be room for the trams to still pass safely. That would make it a lot clearer to motorists.
yes sounds a simple and sensible solution to me but----

The answer will be :-
No entry sign = £xx
Number needed = xxxxx
£xx * xxxxx = a lot

The top of Birley Road used to be a nightmare.

The problem is - the tracks take your eye along a road the same way as the white lane markings do. There is so much clutter in the way of 'street furniture' and signage, that unfamiliar signs (like the blue tram ones) just don't register when you are new to the city.

At the top of Birley road, a big yellow line was painted across the entrance to the tram stop. It is a visual 'STOP' sign for motorists.

I can tell you from experience that it works.

And it's CHEAP, and could be done in town this afternoon

someone mentioned up by the cathedral... it caught me out one day too, the mess of road furniture, lights, markings, it just overloads sometimes...

Originally posted by AJCrowley
someone mentioned up by the cathedral... it caught me out one day too, the mess of road furniture, lights, markings, it just overloads sometimes...

Quite a lot when you're not familiar with it all. The tram wires are confusing enough themselves when you're new here. It feels like you're driving along a railway :confused:

Originally posted by Strix
And it's CHEAP, and could be done in town this afternoon

Of course, if you went and added one out of the charity of your own heart, you'd be arrested for vandalism... :)

Originally posted by spiffymonkey
Of course, if you went and added one out of the charity of your own heart, you'd be arrested for vandalism... :)
You've got some reflective rubber road paint in your shed then? :suspect:
I'll keep watch, you paint :thumbsup:

Originally posted by march
It really is awful, and could so easily have been avoided.

How simple would it be to stick a no entry sign in the middle of the two sets of tracks, I am pretty sure there would be room for the trams to still pass safely. That would make it a lot clearer to motorists.

There is allready a sign of the same size, shape, location in place, except it's a blue tram only sign. It's also very clear from the surface that it isn't a road as it's paved rather than tarmaced.

The problem in Sheffield is many motorists are incapable of understanding things such as road signs or road markings.

Originally posted by Andy C
There is allready a sign of the same size, shape, location in place, except it's a blue tram only sign. It's also very clear from the surface that it isn't a road as it's paved rather than tarmaced.

The problem in Sheffield is many motorists are incapable of understanding things such as road signs or road markings.

Isn't it sort of a fake cobble in that area.

People take more notice of big red signs rather than blue ones. They shouldn't but people just do. These signs aren't in the middle of the road either.

A benefit of trams is they don't need an inch more space than their width as they can only follow the rail. This means they wouldn't hit a big sign in the middle of the two tracks and it would be so obvious a motorist couldn't miss it.

How awful, my thoughts are with the womans family.

I can understand how easily drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with Sheffield can end up on the tram tracks in quite a few places in Sheffield.

I know the tram tracks fairly well, and have been a car driver in Sheffield for the past 11 years. However, I have found when driving towards Sheffield past Birley Moor Garden Centre and turning right (towards Crystal Peaks) the road signage etc is very confusing. It needs to be a lot clearer - Thick white/yellow lines on the road would help.

Originally posted by march
Isn't it sort of a fake cobble in that area.

People take more notice of big red signs rather than blue ones. They shouldn't but people just do. These signs aren't in the middle of the road either.

A benefit of trams is they don't need an inch more space than their width as they can only follow the rail. This means they wouldn't hit a big sign in the middle of the two tracks and it would be so obvious a motorist couldn't miss it.

Trams and Trains have something called a "swept path", it is a common mis-conception that they are only as wide as the rails. Trams are usually about half a meter larger than the rails on either side, and when going round corners one side of the tram will stick out further. But im sure that the Supertram Maintainance guys could work out where to place such a sign so that it is not in the way of the trams?

The 'swept path' of the trams used to be marked with yellow spots in certain areas when the network was first laid.

They may still be there, I've not noticed for years.

Originally posted by jackthedog
The 'swept path' of the trams used to be marked with yellow spots in certain areas when the network was first laid.

They may still be there, I've not noticed for years.

Yes in some places i have noticed them too. Along by Hyde Park tram stop i believe?

On the straight parts of the track i'm not sure if theres room for signage saying no entry... not certain but the gaps between the trams is less than a metre, i thought it was just a small gap could be wrong...

This morning when I got into town (catch 53 in) before going to get the tram to college I go to GT to get a paper - walking up past primark I saw this lorry FOLLOWING the tram down (i assumed he was making a delivery to somewhere). - and must have been from the cathedral. It should have been obvious to any competent driver that its not a road when there where no entry signs, and no traffic lights at the junction with the road burger king is on...

But not to raise any speculation - it is a terrible tragedy for all involved, including the lorry driver

You could always paint distinguishable markings on the restricted surface area in RED .

But this would have to conform to the 'Highway Code' and concerned authorities.

Fairly sure that might take some time :(

I heard on the radio that traffic was a nightmare on St Phillips Way, Penistone Road and similar areas because a car was on the tram tracks.
That was tea time ish. What's going on with the tram and when did people think it was a vehicle to be disregarded?
The tram has caused a lot of incidents over the years, no more than cars I suppose but it is a tragedy.

South Yorkshire Police would like to hear from anyone who witnessed the events on 0114 220 2970

http://www.southyorks.police.uk/news/details.php?id=1104

yes very sad indeed.

Originally posted by Hels
...I can understand how easily drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with Sheffield can end up on the tram tracks in quite a few places in Sheffield.

I know the tram tracks fairly well, and have been a car driver in Sheffield for the past 11 years. However, I have found when driving towards Sheffield past Birley Moor Garden Centre and turning right (towards Crystal Peaks) the road signage etc is very confusing. It needs to be a lot clearer - Thick white/yellow lines on the road would help.
Condolences to the family concerned.

While it is understandable that a vehicle may erroneously travel in a "Tram Only" section, what is less understandable is why upon realising the error, any driver would thereafter have an accident.

Surely, at that point one would be extra careful, now knowing that one is in the wrong, and driving (especially reversing) in a pedestrian area.

Originally posted by shelley1
…tried reversing, the lady involved was trying to direct him back towards the road and he tragically didnt see her.

If the driver of a large vehicle (with limited visibility) is being reversed by an other person, it is normal to stop if that person cannot be seen, and wait for further direction (unfortunately, the reasons for this have just been clearly illustrated).

If someone was crushed against a wall, or barrier, the vehicle was quite simply too close to the obstruction at the time, which is the responsibility of the driver.

Tragic ACCIDENT, the driver was not arrested and allowed to go home a very shocked and upset person.

Originally posted by shelley1
a very shocked and upset person.

I bet :(

i watched the news but no mention of it on there on either bbc look north or calendar i hope the driver is ok and my total sympthy to the lady Andrea Brooks, 41, from Maltby

full story here

supertram accident (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/4541395.stm)

Im the mother of the lady killed on tram lines which room do I go into when it was discussed please

My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the tragic loss of your daughter.

This thread is all what has been discussed on here regarding the incident - there isn't a separate discussion room for a particular topic...I hope this helps!

If you need any further help just ask.

Originally posted by shelley1
This driver worked for my company and was simply lost (not from sheffield) and given directions by a member of the public. He realised he had gone on the tram tracks and tried reversing, the lady involved was trying to direct him back towards the road and he tragically didnt see her.

Condolences to the ladys family. :confused:

how does he know she was trying to direct him back onto the road if he didn't see her?

Originally posted by beer1
:confused:

how does he know she was trying to direct him back onto the road if he didn't see her?

How do you know he knew?

Originally posted by Hook
How do you know he knew?
see shelley1 1st posting

Originally posted by beer1
see shelley1 1st posting

She didn't say what you're implying she said:

the lady involved was trying to direct him back towards the road and he tragically didnt see her.

He didn't see her. He didn't see her. He didn't know she was there. :confused:

Originally posted by Hook
She didn't say what you're implying she said:



He didn't see her. He didn't see her. He didn't know she was there. :confused:
of course he didn't see her and totally agree this was an accident why on earth would someone have done this deliberately. all i am asking is how has it come to light that she was directing him? :confused:

Originally posted by beer1
of course he didn't see her and totally agree this was an accident why on earth would someone have done this deliberately. all i am asking is how has it come to light that she was directing him? :confused:

Presumably there were other pedestrians around who witnessed what happens. I imagine this was the case!

Originally posted by beer1
...all i am asking is how has it come to light that she was directing him? :confused:
It's OK beer1, it was clear enough the first time what you meant.


Originally posted by Hook
Presumably there were other pedestrians around who witnessed what happens. I imagine this was the case!
What, and presumably shelley1 (who works/worked with the driver of the vehicle) interviewed them about how it happened?




If she was directing the driver (as shelley1 stated) the driver must have known she was "there" (although, obviously not precisely where)...

...and as I said earlier "If the driver of a large vehicle (with limited visibility) is being reversed by an other person, it is normal to stop if that person cannot be seen, and wait for further direction (unfortunately, the reasons for this have just been clearly illustrated)."

Still an accident, but so easily avoided.

:(

Originally posted by foo_fighter
It's OK beer1, it was clear enough the first time what you meant.



What, and presumably shelley1 (who works/worked with the driver of the vehicle) interviewed them about how it happened?




If she was directing the driver (as shelley1 stated) the driver must have known she was "there" (although, obviously not precisely where)...

...and as I said earlier "If the driver of a large vehicle (with limited visibility) is being reversed by an other person, it is normal to stop if that person cannot be seen, and wait for further direction (unfortunately, the reasons for this have just been clearly illustrated)."

Still an accident, but so easily avoided.

:(
:) thank you foo-fighter, thought it was me??
I think shelley1 should leave the statements to the police, unless she was there and was a witness which would be very coincidental

Originally posted by foo_fighter
It's OK beer1, it was clear enough the first time what you meant.



What, and presumably shelley1 (who works/worked with the driver of the vehicle) interviewed them about how it happened?




If she was directing the driver (as shelley1 stated) the driver must have known she was "there" (although, obviously not precisely where)...

...and as I said earlier "If the driver of a large vehicle (with limited visibility) is being reversed by an other person, it is normal to stop if that person cannot be seen, and wait for further direction (unfortunately, the reasons for this have just been clearly illustrated)."

Still an accident, but so easily avoided.

:(

Okay, so you can't imagine there's a possibility that the woman hadn't communicated with the driver, hadn't made any gestures towards him that he had seen.

Maybe she was giving him directions, and he wasn't aware she was. Perhaps we should stop speculating and leave it to the experts.

Originally posted by Hook
...Maybe she was giving him directions, and he wasn't aware she was...
The point is Hook, if she was giving him directions, and he didn't know about it...

...how did shelley1 (who said he "worked for my company") find out?

Originally posted by shelley1
...He realised he had gone on the tram tracks and tried reversing, the lady involved was trying to direct him back towards the road and he tragically didnt see her...


Now do you see the point beer1 was making?

Originally posted by foo_fighter
The point is Hook, if she was giving him directions, and he didn't know about it...

...how did shelley1 (who said he "worked for my company") find out?




Now do you see the point beer1 was making?

Because it was in the paper, it was on the sheffield star website, and presumably she'd spoken to the driver, who I'd assume would have been told what happened. Do you think they sent the driver home after interviewing him, and didn't tell him what happened. Do you not think that one of the questions asked by the police would be "Did you notice anybody attempting to give you directions?", "Some witnesses have reported a woman attempting to give you directions, did you not see her?"

Originally posted by Hook
Because it was in the paper, it was on the sheffield star website, and presumably she'd spoken to the driver, who I'd assume would have been told what happened. Do you think they sent the driver home after interviewing him, and didn't tell him what happened. Do you not think that one of the questions asked by the police would be "Did you notice anybody attempting to give you directions?", "Some witnesses have reported a woman attempting to give you directions, did you not see her?"
Wow, now who's speculating. :o

I only asked if you could see the point beer1 was making, not for you to do the whole public inquiry from your PC desk. ;)

ahhh you silly man hook you know nothing foo _fighter has a brain