Metrolink travellers are being urged to take extra care around trams to stay safe over the festive period.

As part of a campaign by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), tram passengers are being encouraged to stay safe and take extra care when out and about on the tram network.

With tram services expected to be busier due to the festivities, passengers are being advised to take care when boarding or departing trams to help keep themselves and others safe.

Anyone looking to enjoy a few Christmas drinks over the coming weeks should take extra care when using the Metrolink service as alcohol can impair a person’s judgement and co-ordination.

The Christmas-themed campaign will be reinforced by advertising which will appear across the public transport network, alongside digital and social media.

TfGM’s head of Metrolink, Danny Vaughan, said: “Passenger and staff safety, as well as the safety of pedestrians and cyclists travelling or moving around trams and stops on the network, is a priority for TfGM and the Metrolink operator KeolisAmey Metrolink (KAM).

“We want everyone to have fun and use Metrolink over the Christmas period, but I’d strongly urge everyone, and in particular those who might be enjoying a few festive drinks – to take extra care when around our trams at a time when services will be busier than usual.”

With darker nights drawing in, passengers are being reminded to look both ways when crossing tram tracks, and to use designated tram crossings where possible.

Families and groups are also being urged to stay together while waiting to board or depart a tram as stops are expected to be crowded and high frequency services will also mean trams arrive and depart quickly.

Trams share much of the network with pedestrians, motorists and cyclists.

Despite an excellent safety record, there have been several serious accidents, and sadly some deaths, in recent years.

The festive period often sees a spike in the number of incidents.

Throughout the year KAM has installed signage on trams and at Metrolink stops reminding customers to keep clear, including floor markings highlighting where the gap between double units will be located when a tram arrives at a stop.

Managing director of KeolisAmey Metrolink, Damien Chabas, said: “As the proud operator of Metrolink, we are continuously working on new ways to improve passenger and employee safety, and as such we have improved visible signage across the network.

“While customer support will be provided at key Metrolink locations to ensure passengers and community safety during the busy festive period, we urge everyone to be aware and stay alert around trams, support fellow passengers that may appear vulnerable and report to us any issue and threat identified. All together, we are stronger.”