TfL awards automatic tram braking contract
Transport for London has awarded Engineering Support Group (ESG) a contract to build and install a new automatic braking system for London Trams.
The value of the contract has not been disclosed, but installation is due to be completed by the end of the year. The contract award is a response to the derailment at Sandilands, Croydon, in November 2016 ( RAIL 814).
ESG has sub-contracted Sella Controls to provide the equipment needed for the physical prevention of overspeeding (PPOS) device.
This uses a PPOS onboard controller with Sella’s Tracklink III system, which communicates data from trackside beacons to an onboard reader. If a tram exceeds the speed limit in a speed-restricted area, the PPOS controller will interrupt the power to the PPOS safety relay, resulting in a full service brake application that will bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
A further development on London Trams is the installation of a new emergency lighting system which operates independently of the tram’s battery. A new thicker film will also be fitted to all doors and windows to improve containment in the event of an accident.
“We will never forget the tragedy at Sandilands, and from day one have focused our attention on preventing this type of incident from ever happening again,” said London Trams Managing Director Mark Davis.
“Awarding the contract for a new automatic braking system is a first for trams in the UK. Not only will it improve safety for customers in London, we hope it will lead the way for other tram operators across the country.
“We will work to have the new system, which will automatically apply the brakes if a tram is exceeding the speed limit, in full operation by the end of the year.”
ESG Managing Director Nick Goodhand added: “This reliable protection system will not affect the normal service delivery or performance of the tram network. It also has the added advantage of being flexible and adaptable, allowing the inclusion of temporary speed restrictions and further defined locations to be permanently protected in the future.”