A three-day police blitz aiming to put motorist behaviour back on track has seen 14 drivers issued with infringements for poor driving habits near trams.
Transit Safety Division officers targeted high-risk locations across Melbourne's CBD and inner suburbs in November to remind drivers of their responsibility when sharing the road with their public transport counterparts.
It complements the launch of Trams Can't Swerve, a transport campaign urging motorists to check for trams before turning or merging.
The operation saw 374 vehicle checks conducted and 14 infringements issued to drivers.
Senior Sergeant David Flood said the infringements were issued to motorists who failed to give way to trams or who passed stationary trams.
"Sharing roads with trams is one of the things that makes Melbourne so unique, but with that comes extra challenges and the need to be even more cautious when driving," Sen-Sgt Flood Said.
"Colliding with a tram not only means possible injury to yourself, but also to the driver and passengers who are trying to commute."
Sen-Sgt Flood said the operation was as much about awareness as it was enforcement.
"We expect drivers to give way to each other and other traffic, and that includes looking out for trams," he said.
"Road safety is the responsibility of everyone, but drivers need to recognise that a tram can't swerve for a car that has neglected to give way."
Failing to give way to trams can incur a penalty of $289, while passing a stopped tram can attract a penalty of $413.
Both also carry three demerit points.
Police will continue to crack down on poor driver behaviour near trams at shared locations throughout Melbourne.
