The new technology will sound an alarm in the tram’s cab and back at the control room, if it detects any changes in the drivers’ capacity to safely operate the vehicle.

Edinburgh’s trams are already fitted with an alert system that triggers if it detects no driver activity for 400 metres. To cancel the current alarm, the driver must activate the pedal or lever, otherwise, the emergency brake is activated within another 40 metres.

The new system will be able to behave preemptively by detecting early signs of tiredness and poor health, possibly using fitness tracker technology. It is expected the new system will report in real-time any driver issues such as loss of focus, unconsciousness and any paralysis.

If the system detects any of these symptoms a green, amber and red warning system will trigger and then relay the risk to both the driver and the tram control centre.

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To prevent disasters such as the Glasgow bin truck incident or the Croydon tram crash, the Driver Innovation Safety Challenge (DISC) was established to encourage technologists to come up with a  £168,000 high-tech safety system.

It’s expected that by the end of next month a contract will be awarded to developers, who will be given 18 months to come up with the system that can be fully operational by December 2020.

Colin Kerr, engineering manager at Edinburgh Trams said: “Edinburgh Trams already have systems in place that will bring a tram to a controlled halt if the driver becomes incapacitated.

“Following a thorough review of our operational and fatigue management procedures, including the careful planning of duties and face-to-face sign-on, we started looking at how technology could enhance or assist us in these areas.

“DISC was set up to explore new technology that could monitor driver alertness, wellbeing and health.”

Green councillor, Gavin Corbett said: “There are obviously already measures in place to ensure that drivers in public transport vehicles – trains, trams and buses – are not affected by tiredness.

“So, as I understand this project is looking at additional measures, over and above that, in light of the tragedy at Croydon. I know that other tram operators are working closely with Edinburgh on the potential of technology to enhance safety. That can only be a good thing.”

Other UK tram networks are also interested in installing the system, while Lothian buses may also implement it.