Stagecoach Supertram faces multiple issues with crime, vandalism and youth offenders up at their Herdings Park terminus. This is causing multiple problems for tram crew, passengers and the operational state of the trams and service. 

There has been many incidents such as a Supertram conductor getting attacked and hit over the head in a bid to steal the cash float in his possession from issuing fares and change to passengers. Prior to this, a report shows that a female Supertram conductor was also targeted in an attempted robbery of her cash float. Not only this, but multiple cases of trams being damaged from smashed windows, rocks being thrown at them, objects being placed on rails which could cause derailment and many many more cases. This is an ongoing issue, with something new happening weekly. 

Here is an article regarding the incident involving the conductor, link below: 

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.thestar.co.uk/news/sheffield-supertram-staff-fear-for-safety-after-conductor-is-hit-over-the-head-with-metal-bar-in-robbery-1-9048707/amp

The most recent incident is a case of youths causing an issue at the terminus. Below is a quote from Supertram, taken from their Twitter page @SCSupertram

"Due to disruptive youths at Herdings park terminus the 18:47 Purple route is unable to leave Herdings. Police have been notified to attend"

This issue was rectified and South Yorkshire Police had since worked with Supertram onboard. Below is a quote from their Twitter feed @SYPTravelSafe 

"We have been at Herdings @SCSupertram terminus tonight in #Sheffield identifying individuals responsible for recent #ASB and damage. Positive action will always be taken to ensure the safety of staff and #passengers. We will take the same action with the damage caused tonight! https://t.co/gQIlKYcf3X "

Of course it's fantastic that they're working hard to take action on the recent events, but of course, something long term needs putting in place to at least start to take control and to rectify the constant array of incidents happening. 

The stop needs CCTV installing on high masts so they are unreachable, to prevent them being vandalised but also to help capture those who attempt to cause more bother. This will allow greater chances of Supertram and South Yorkshire Police catching those who cause trouble, but will increase the safety of Supertram crew and passengers who use the service. 

Brighter LED lighting needs to be added too as it adds the benefit of Supertram and South Yorkshire Police those who cause trouble and make attempts to vandalise the trams or commit criminal activity. It would deter them away, seeing as it’s so easy to wear dark clothing and not be seen in that place at night or during early hours in the morning. LED lighting should also be added along the tracks between the Headings Park and Herdings - Leighton Road stops as the track there is barely visible during the night, only the trams headlights illuminate the track but that's not good enough if you ask me. It is perfect for offenders to hide away, giving them the prime opportunity to attack trams and cause vandalism without getting caught as it is very dark. 

Reducing the foliage in the area could benefit the area too, helping improve visibility all around, preventing youths from hiding away to commit any acts of vandalism or antisocial behaviour, also limiting their getaway. 

The service could also be altered to terminate earlier too which again, would reduce the likelihood of offenders to attack late at night. 

Passenger's shouldn't have to face the fears of being attacked or face any trouble, from only innocently waiting for the tram. Supertram crew shouldn't have to face the fears of simply doing their job, especially after the attack one had unfortunately faced not so long ago, it should have never happened!

Work on improving the Herdings Park terminus for safety, is way too overdue. 

Making these improvements will be a long term benefit, saving crew and passengers the fear, saving trams from vandalism and saving the loss of revenue for trams held in for repair from vandalism. It impact's the service vividly, causing delays, loss of revenue and more importantly a let down to Supertram's passengers if they can't operate a full fleet of working trams due to the numbers being reduced as trams face vandalism and need maintenance for essential repairs. 

Safety is an absolute priority to Supertram, but some of its workers feel uncomfortable operating on the route especially being on a later duty. Even some passengers who used to use the route now refrain all because of this, which is a loss to Supertram.

It should not take a conductor getting attacked, numerous cases of vandalism to trams and the infrastructure at Herdings, tram crew and passengers to face antisocial behaviour to get Supertram, Sheffield City Council and for SYPTE to realise the severe importance of having this work being taken to place to improve the safety at the Herdings Park Supertram terminus. This should have been a long time ago and it's a great shock that it hasn't!

This petition will be sent to Stagecoach Supertram, South Yorkshire Passenger Travel Executive and Sheffield City Council.

Thank you for signing.

James Wilson - Petition holder.