The operators of Dublin’s Luas tram system have released a video of collisions between trams and vehicles in an appeal to drivers to stop breaking red lights.
The appeal, issued jointly with An Garda Síochána and Minister for Transport Leo Varadkar, warns that running a red light and colliding with a tram could cause serious injury or death.
Luas said there have been 13 collisions so far this year, compared with 38 last year and 24 in 2012.
Mr Varadkar said: “Breaking a red light is one of the most dangerous things any motorist can do, and driving through a red light at a Luas junction is both irresponsible and stupid. There have been 13 incidents between motorists and trams this year, and one loss of life.
"This new awareness campaign aims to prevent further incidents. Under a new pilot scheme starting later this year, gardaí will be able to initiate prosecutions using CCTV footage of motorists who break red lights."
Gardaí have undertaken targeted patrols of Blackhall Place, Queen Street and Belgard Road in an effort to reduce the number of such incidents.
Garda Inspector Michael O'Connor said, "As a result of the increase we will be monitoring the traffic on the Luas lines and prosecute those caught breaking lights."
Luas driver Eddie Byrne has been in a collision with a car.
He said: "The car broke a red light and hit the side of the tram, and the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach is awful.
"Thankfully the driver and the passengers were alright but his car was totally wrecked.
"I was lucky that day but it has happened that people have lost their life."
