Tram speeds on some major routes in Melbourne should be halved and U-turns across the tracks banned to reduce the number of accidents, according to a new report.

The Monash University Accident Research Centre was commissioned by Yarra Trams to analyse car and tram crashes and their causes over the past five years.

It looked at six major tram routes, including "crash hotspots" along Plenty Road, Dandenong Rd and Burwood Road.

The report suggested lowering tram speeds to 30kph and making signalling clearer.

Yarra Trams spokesman Simon Murphy said the report highlighted certain areas on the network where there was a higher risk of a fatal collision between trams and vehicles.

"Trams in the mid-to-outer suburbs travel at slightly higher speeds than in the CBD, and motorists who perform U-turns and right turns across the tracks are in more danger of serious injuries in the event of a collision," Mr Murphy said.

However, he told the ABC that Yarra Trams had no plans to reduce tram speeds, and would prefer to invest in technology to improve signalling.

"At this stage we're looking at the short term solutions which is introducing new technologies in those areas, but there's some longer term planning needed for some of the other options listed."

"What we're trying to do is balance the need for safety with operational efficiency in the tram network ... but in the short term [the aim is to] improve signalling at those intersections and make it clear when they should and shouldn't turn."