Anti-social behaviour reducing on Nottingham trams – but staff still face abuse

NET tram in Nottingham (Stock photo)
By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter

The level of anti-social behaviour on Nottingham trams is falling, the operator says, but staff are still regularly suffering abuse.

Nottingham Express Transit, which runs the city’s tram system, says it is working with police to identify and prosecute any offenders.

A report going before councillors next week says there has been some success in tackling problems on board.

“Anti-social behaviour levels have seen a sustained decline, although front-line staff continue to experience abuse and occasionally physical violence when carrying out their duties,” it says, without publishing detailed figures.

“Criminal damage on the network again, whilst in decline, continues to impact staff and customers.”

There are early signs that traffic calming measures in the Toton Lane park and ride have also cut down on nuisance driving in the area, it adds.

The operator previously said reports of anti-social behaviour on the network fell by 34 per cent from 2022 to 2023.

The report also gives details of several serious collisions involving trams over the last few months.

An 11-year-old boy on a bike was hit by a tram on Wilkinson Street on March 4. He is expected to make a full recovery.

The following day, an intoxicated man was struck by a tram as he crossed the road. He was taken to hospital as a precaution.

A tram driver suffered whiplash when a vehicle drove into the tram’s path in the Beeston area on March 21.

A car collided with a tram on Radford Road as it pulled out of a supermarket. Police discovered the driver didn’t have a licence and the vehicle wasn’t insured.

Repairs also continue to a tram that derailed in Bulwell in June 2023.

The track was found to be in an unsafe condition after other trams had gone over them, and a passenger was injured when a pane of glass dislodged.

The report will be discussed by the Greater Nottingham Light Rapid Transit Advisory Committee on Tuesday, July 9.

Ticket prices increased for the second time in six months on Monday (July 1) with a single adult journey going from £3.20 to £3.30, with adult day tickets rising from £5.30 to £5.40.

Weekly adult and group off-peak tickets have risen 50p each, from £23 to £23.50 and £8.50 to £9.

Short-hop and group peak tickets have remained the same price.

Trams won’t be operating between The Forest and Old Market Square from July 2 to 5 while track replacement is carried out, and a replacement bus service will run instead.