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Section 16; pages:
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Section 16: Signs at Level Crossings
(Page 2 of 2)
An audible warning device for road users was to be provided as a standard feature at AOCL crossings, obviating the requirement for train drivers to sound the whistle or horn. Accordingly, a new sign was proposed for use at AOCLs to replace the combined speed restriction/whistle boards (see [16.9 & 16.10]), although the latter would remain in use for open crossings without lights. The new experimental sign [16.13] was tested at Battlesbridge (Eastern Region) in 1978. Following the tests, it was decided to alter the signs to have a solid black cross [16.14 & 16.15].
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[16.13] Experimental Speed Restriction Sign for a Locally Monitored Crossing.
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[16.14] Speed Restriction Sign for a Locally Monitored Crossing.
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[16.15] Differential Speed Restriction Sign for a Locally Monitored Crossing.
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In 1981, a red and white diagonally striped road sign was introduced to indicate the lateral limits of an open level crossing (OC, AOCL or AOCR) on the highway approaches. In addition, the same boards were installed on the rail approaches to an AOCL, but rotated through 90° [16.16]. They were usually fitted on the same posts as the driver's white lights (see [16.5]). These boards ceased to be provided following new legislation in 1994 and were gradually removed from both road and rail approaches.
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[16.16] Open Level Crossing Marker Board.
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From c.1983, some automatic level crossings on double track railways were fitted with controls that enable them to operate automatically during single line working, which avoids them having to be put on local control. Speed restriction signs are installed on the 'wrong direction' approaches to these crossings [16.17]. The speed restriction applies approaching and passing over the crossing. This type of speed restriction sign may be provided at level crossings of the types AHB, AOCR and MWL/MSL.
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[16.17] Automatic Level Crossing Wrong Direction Movement Speed Restriction Sign.
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As discussed in Section 13, non-standard differential speed restrictions are signed in a unique manner on the Great Eastern Line and its branches (see [13.66 & 13.67]). The same system of speed presentation is used on signs associated with locally monitored level crossings in that area [16.18].
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[16.18] Non-standard Differential Speed Restriction Sign for a Locally Monitored Crossing.
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A new form of level crossing known as "Automatic Barrier Crossing, Locally Monitored" (ABCL) was introduced following the publication of the Stott report, which came after a collision on an AOCR at Lockington (Eastern Region) on 26 July 1986. The ABCL is essentially an AOCL equipped with half-barriers, but one further enhancement was to introduce a flashing red aspect [16.19] in conjunction with the driver's white light (see [16.5]). If the flashing red light is exhibited, drivers are required to stop short of the crossing and not proceed over it until satisfied that it is safe to do so. The first ABCL to be commissioned was at Beccles (Anglia Region) c.1991. Subsequently, the Railway Inspectorate decided that flashing red aspects should in future be provided at AOCLs, in addition to ABCLs.
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[16.19] Flashing Red Aspect.
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Some user-worked level crossings have been provided with markers to assist engineering staff when checking sighting distances. They have no relevance to train drivers. On the Scotland Zone, the markers take the form of tall yellow rectangular boards which face towards the crossing [16.20]. They are installed in pairs in advance of the crossing, in both directions, one on either side of the line. On the Great Western Zone, a single orange post is provided on the approach to the level crossing, in each direction [16.21].
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[16.20] Level Crossing Sighting Marker Board (Scotland Zone).
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[16.21] Level Crossing Sighting Marker Post (Great Western Zone).
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From 1998, experimental notice boards were provided on the rail approaches to certain user-worked level crossings in the Scotland Zone. These show the name and mileage of the crossing concerned [16.22].
In 2000, level crossing identification plates were fitted at user-worked level crossings with telephones on the Cambrian Lines (Midlands Zone). The signs display a unique level crossing number [16.23].
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[16.22] Level Crossing Identification Sign (Scotland Zone).
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[16.23] Level Crossing Identification Plate (Midlands Zone).
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In 2003, a new design of combined speed restriction/whistle board was introduced, for use at Open crossings. Unlike the former design (see [16.9]), the speed is shown in black characters on a white background [16.24]. This brings the sign into conformity with other speed restriction signs that have black characters for speeds given in miles per hour, the black background now being reserved for metric signs (see Section 13).
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[16.24] Combined Speed Restriction/Whistle Board.
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Locally monitored level crossings (AOCL or ABCL) on lines with ERTMS cab signalling are provided with all the usual lineside signs and indicators except that the crossing speed restriction signs (see [16.14 & 16.15]) are replaced by 'sighting boards', with just a black cross on a white background [16.25]. When the train reaches this board, the driver must check that the driver's white light is flashing (see [16.5]) and that the crossing is not obstructed, in which case the train may proceed towards the crossing at the speed indicated on the driver's cab display.
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[16.25] Sighting Board for a Locally Monitored Crossing.
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