April 2003

If you’ve been following the progress of tram construction work you will know that we’re now putting NET’s power supply system in place in the city centre.

How it works

The 15 trams in the NET fleet are powered by electricity. This comes direct from the National Grid at 11kV AC to six substations along the route of Line One. These are at Station Street, on the Forest Park and Ride site, beside the depot at Wilkinson Street, at the Highbury Vale stop, at Moor Bridge and at Butler’s Hill. The substations deliver electricity to the tram power cables at 750v DC. Underground cables carry this power from the substations. We are now pulling these cables through the ducts we created as the tracks were laid. Some minor, temporary traffic management is needed while we do this.

In the city centre and through the Nottingham Trent University campus, the tram power supply is supported by poles or by building fixings and interconnected wires known as span wires. These poles and building fixings are installed and the wires are tightened so that the live power cable (the contact wire) is held in the correct position and at the correct tension to make good contact with the tram vehicle’s pantograph. The pantograph is the spring-loaded arm that stands on the roof of each tram and through which power passes to the vehicle.

Construction

The overhead line poles that we are installing come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending upon the job they must do. All poles are circular. In the city centre the poles are silver. Wherever possible in the city centre we are using building fixings instead of poles.

We have already prepared foundations for most of the poles. Poles and building fixings can normally be installed without the need to close roads. Hanging the wires will require road closures. We will do most of the on-street wire hanging overnight to minimise inconvenience and ensure public safety.

As well as poles and building fixings for power cables we are erecting new street lights and highmast lighting in Old Market Square, CCTV camera poles and street furniture at tramstops.

January 2003

The NET tram system is a very safe form of transport, but of course new projects bring extra considerations to take into account. This leaflet will help you to better understand how the system works and how to stay safe.

Now that track laying is reaching completion, we will soon be erecting the overhead cables and then switching them on. Test trams will start to run along the line. We need to train our drivers and to test the new systems ready for the public opening of Line One in November 2003. We will also need to finish off the tram stops and begin landscaping and other minor works. This leaflet has been produced to give you important safety information about these next stages.

All available evidence, based on experience elsewhere, suggests that trams are among the safest forms of transport and, by reducing the overall growth in traffic, the tram should help to reduce accidents. Safe operating speeds will be approved by the Highway Authority and the Railway Inspectorate.

A tram has an efficient braking system and will consistently give high performance at stopping. The position of the driver gives excellent visibility and our drivers will receive a high level of training. The vehicle follows a predictable path and is easily seen by other road users, including pedestrians. Trams have an excellent safety record.

Please remember the following safety messages:

• You are at most danger if you trespass onto the railway or tramlines. Trams will soon be moving along the lines and you must stay clear of the tracks for your own safety.

• Use bridges and proper crossing points – don’t take short cuts – it could cut short your life!

• Places where the tracks merge or split are called points. These will move to allow trams to switch onto another line. They are operated automatically and will move without warning – stay clear of them, you could become stuck or injured.

• NET trams are powered by overhead wires. You may have seen the poles being put up along the route and soon wires will be attached to them. Quite soon after this they will be switched on. We will contact you again just before this happens. The wires are powered at 750v DC - over three times your mains voltage at home. They are only dangerous if you touch them or place anything near them, so never dangle anything near the cables (off bridges etc.) or put anything in the air near them (kites, ladders etc.). The electric shock would be enough to kill you. There is no reason for anyone to touch or interfere with any of our electrical equipment.

• Never ignore warning signs or damage them – they are there to keep you safe!

• Please respect NET equipment. It is there for a reason - to keep people safe.

• The side of any railway or tramway, unless there is a designated footpath, is no place to walk your dog or pick blackberries!

• Rubbish is often used by vandals to commit crimes. Don’t dump rubbish or fly tip along the lines - it will only give vandals something to play with, and can create a hazard for trams.

• All stops will have full CCTV coverage. These cameras will be linked to a 24 hour security room. If you commit a crime – you will be seen. If you see anyone acting illegally then please call the tram control centre using the passenger emergency help points that will be installed at every stop.

• While work is underway pavements and tramstop surfaces may be uneven – so take extra care while walking.

• Motorists should not drive with their wheels directly on the rails and cyclists must cross the tracks at a wide angle (preferably 90 degrees).

• If you are to carry out work next to the tramway please contact NET first on 0115 9427765. In some cases it may be necessary for you to work under special conditions which are regulated by us.

So, if you use NET sensibly and appropriately you will be very safe. If however you choose to act recklessly you can place yourself and others in danger.