South Yorkshire Mayor Defends Tram Cancellations on Derby Day Amid Safety Concerns, What Travelers Need To Know

Published on November 26, 2025

In a move to prioritize public safety, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard defended the decision to cancel tram services during the highly anticipated Steel City Derby between Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United. On Sunday, November 23, the decision was made to halt tram operations in and around Hillsborough, a popular area for fans gathering before and after the match. The cancellations, which affected the Supertram network, were made after discussions between local police and transport authorities due to concerns over crowd control and potential confrontations between rival fans.

The cancellation of tram services was primarily driven by safety considerations. Last year, large crowds of fans gathered near tram stations, lighting flares and engaging in disruptive behavior. As a result, the decision was made to prevent trams from operating in the area during the most intense periods surrounding the match, which would have created risks of further disturbances and safety hazards.

Safety Concerns: The Catalyst for Tram Cancellations

The primary concern raised by local authorities was the safety of passengers and the need to avoid chaos similar to what occurred during last year’s derby. Fans from both teams were seen crowding the tram stations and the streets around Hillsborough, setting off flares and causing traffic disruptions. The resulting safety risks were deemed too high to continue tram operations.

South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, who took control of the Supertram network in 2024, emphasized that the decision was not made lightly. He acknowledged the importance of having a reliable public transport network, especially during high-profile events like the Steel City Derby. However, given the circumstances, safety concerns outweighed the need for uninterrupted tram service.

Transport officials coordinated with South Yorkshire Police to assess the situation. They found that the large crowds occupying the roads where trams typically operate posed a significant risk to the smooth operation of the Supertram network. Trams, which rely on specific routes and infrastructure, would have struggled to navigate through the crowds safely, potentially exacerbating the risk of fan confrontations and creating delays for other passengers.

The Role of Buses as an Alternative Transportation Option

To mitigate the impact of tram cancellations, transport officials made the decision to deploy additional buses in the affected areas. These buses, which could navigate around the congested areas near Hillsborough, provided a safer and more flexible alternative for travelers.

The buses were well-received by passengers, with many using this option to get to and from the match. Coppard highlighted that the buses were full, suggesting that the alternative transportation system was functioning as expected. He also pointed out that the flexibility of the buses helped avoid situations where trams could have been delayed or blocked, which might have further escalated tensions between rival fans.

Challenges of Managing Tram Operations During High-Traffic Events

The tram service in South Yorkshire operates on a network of interconnected lines, and problems at key points like Hillsborough can cause widespread disruptions across the entire system. This interconnectedness makes it especially challenging to manage traffic during large events like the Steel City Derby, where crowd behavior can quickly escalate and cause bottlenecks.

Mayor Coppard expressed his desire to ensure that trams can operate smoothly for all passengers, not just on derby days but throughout the year. However, he acknowledged that when fan behavior causes disruption to the transport system, safety must be the primary concern.

The tram network’s dependence on key routes, particularly in areas where large crowds gather, means that significant events can cause ripple effects that impact services across Sheffield. The decision to cancel trams in Hillsborough was made with this in mind, to prevent such disruptions from affecting other parts of the network.

Police and Crowd Control: A Coordination Effort

On the day of the derby, local police were deployed to manage crowd behavior around key intersections in Hillsborough. These included areas like Langsett Road and Middlewood Road, where police worked with mounted officers to control the crowds. Despite the chaotic scenes, law enforcement managed to prevent any major incidents, though two individuals were arrested on suspicion of affray due to confrontations between rival fans.

The police were essential in maintaining order, and their coordination with transport authorities ensured that safer alternatives like buses were deployed in a timely manner. This collaboration between local authorities and transport services allowed for a more organized response to potential threats to public safety.

A Focus on Long-Term Solutions

Looking forward, Mayor Coppard expressed his commitment to improving the tram network for future events, aiming to strike a balance between public safety and efficient transportation. He noted that while the cancellation of tram services during high-risk events like the Steel City Derby was necessary, he would continue working with transport and law enforcement officials to explore ways to improve safety and ensure that trams can run safely during future high-profile events.

For the time being, the Mayor reaffirmed that any decision made regarding the operation of public transport during such events would always prioritize public safety above all else.

The Bigger Picture: Ongoing Challenges for Public Transport

This event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by cities across the UK in managing public transport during major sporting events. Similar concerns over safety, crowd control, and transport disruptions have been raised in other cities during high-attendance matches, underscoring the need for robust planning and coordination between authorities.

For tourists and business travelers in Sheffield, this situation serves as a reminder to check transport updates and plan for alternative routes during major events. While tram cancellations and bus replacements are typically communicated in advance, delays and changes to transport services are often unavoidable during times of crowd congestion.

Key Takeaways:

• Trams were cancelled in Sheffield’s Hillsborough area during the Steel City Derby for safety reasons due to overcrowding and disruptive fan behavior.
• Buses were deployed as an alternative to manage transport during the derby, which saw full buses and less congestion on the trams.
• Public safety was prioritized, with the local police helping to manage the crowds and prevent potential confrontations.
• The long-term goal is to improve the tram network for all events, balancing safety and accessibility for passengers.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated