Skip to content

Croydon tram network hit by track blockages

Harrison GallivenLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageLDRS picture of a tram blocked in CroydonLDRS
Blockages have been reported on the Tramlink route almost every month since November 2019

Tram users in south London are facing repeated delays caused by vehicles blocking the tracks, data from Transport for London (TfL) suggests.

Figures released to the Local Democracy Reporting Service revealed that cars, vans and even emergency vehicles have obstructed the Tramlink route almost every month since November 2019.

The issue is particularly acute in central Croydon, where trams pass through narrow streets and have little room to manoeuvre.

While some incidents last only a few minutes, others have caused major disruption - in one case, a 46‑minute blockage wiped more than 130 kilometres of scheduled services from the timetable.

News imageLDRS Surrey Street Market trader Jose JosephLDRS
Surrey Street Market trader Jose Joseph said he regularly sees drivers obstructing the route

George Street, a designated pedestrian and cycle zone, was identified as a hotspot for tram hold-ups, with Church Street the second most affected location, followed by Crown Hill.

Samir, who works on Church Street, said blockages were a regular sight.

"It just happens again and again," he said. He recalled one incident where passengers were let off after becoming frustrated during a 25‑minute standstill.

TfL data also indicated repeated delays caused by emergency services.

Ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles attending incidents have all been recorded stopping directly on the tracks. In one case, a police car was parked inside the Church Street tram stop.

News imageLDRS picture of a tram blocked in CroydonLDRS

Surrey Street Market trader Jose Joseph said he regularly had to track down drivers who leave their cars.

But he argued the problem reflected a wider lack of short‑term parking in the town centre.

Residents share the frustration. One woman living on nearby Frith Road said parking charges were "extortionate".

"If you're coming here for two minutes, you are not going to pay for an hour."

Mark Davis, TfL's General Manager for London Trams, urged drivers to park responsibly, and warned obstructing the tramway was a criminal offence.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk