Road studs and extra signage are among a number of steps that have been taken to prevent cars being driven onto tram tracks near to the Holt Town Metrolink stop.

Since 1 November 2014, 15 motorists have found themselves stranded and their car stuck after driving on to the traditional tram tracks, which are located past the stop, just off Merrill Street / Ashton New Road.

Although the signs and road markings are based on industry-standard principles and best practice, meet all legislative guidelines and follow a thorough process of hazard and risk assessment, each time a car is driven onto tracks services and passengers are adversely affected says Metrolink.

The vast majority of motorists navigate the junction without incident. Traffic flow figures show that between 4 and 10 April 2016, 93,311 vehicles drove past the junction. Assuming that is a weekly average, it equates to roughly one car becoming stuck on the tracks for every 472,775 that pass by (note: dates within Easter school holiday).

TfGM’s Metrolink Director, Peter Cushing, said: “It’s incredibly frustrating when things like this happen, particularly for those passengers whose journey is delayed as a result.

“Considering how busy the roads on the network are – including around the Holt Town junction – and how many cars use them on any given day, it is obvious that the vast majority of motorists are able to navigate these junctions without incident.

“Indeed, just about one in almost 500,000 vehicles that pass the Holt Town junction has had trouble doing so.

“That said, for that small minority it has proven problematic. We have acknowledged that and these measures are intended to eradicate any further incidents.”

A review of other stops where cars have been driven onto tracks is underway with a view to identifying and prioritising any required modifications at these locations

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