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Section 21: Stopping Markers

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The introduction of Class 253 & 254 'High Speed Trains', comprising a number of coaches with a diesel locomotive at each end, necessitated their own special stop markers being provided. In many places, the standard type of car stop marker was used, with the usual figure replaced by "H" or "HST" [21.31 & 21.32]. Alternatively, the marker may bear only a letter "H" [21.33]. Other types of markers exist that specify the number of vehicles in the train [21.34 - 21.36].

[21.31] HST Stop Marker.	[21.32] HST Stop Marker.	[21.33] HST Stop Marker.


[21.34] HST Stop Marker (e.g. 2 power cars plus 9 coaches).	[21.35] HST Stop Marker (e.g. 10 cars).	[21.36] HST Stop Marker (e.g. 10 or 12 cars).

At a handful of stations, signs or indicators are provided to mark the point at which platforms are subdivided for platform sharing purposes. At Bristol Temple Meads, boards showing a diagonal yellow cross on a black background [21.37] were provided to subdivide the through platforms into two parts, each of which had separate platform numbers. Drivers had to deduce from the route indication (i.e. the platform number) displayed at the previous main signal whether or not the train must be stopped at the indicator board. If signalled to stop at the board, the train was not then permitted to pass it unless a handsignal was given by the person in charge of the platform.

[21.37] Platform Demarcation Board (Bristol Temple Meads).

Stop markers for High Speed Trains were provided at certain terminus stations on the Western Region. These consisted of a segmented yellow disc suspended above the driver's eye level [21.38].

[21.38] HST Stop Marker (Western Region).

Stop markers applicable to the Advanced Passenger Train (Prototype) (APT-P) were provided at certain locations in 1980 [21.39]. These markers were positioned in the 'four-foot' (between the running rails) ahead of the actual stopping point, and drivers of the APT were required to stop the train immediately they lost sight of the marker.

[21.39] APT Stop Marker.

At Glasgow Queen Street High Level station in 1981, stop markers were positioned on the buffers of the platforms into which High Speed Trains run [21.40]. The driver was required to stop the train immediately he lost sight of the marker board.

[21.40] HST Stop Marker Board.

Stop markers exist for specific types of trains. The marker will bear one or more codes [21.41 & 21.42] representing the type(s) of trains to which it applies.

The types of trains to which the markers may apply are identified by the following letters:

"DVT" = Trains being driven from a Driving Van Trailer
"HST" = High Speed Trains (i.e. Class 253 & 254)
"Loco" = Loco-hauled Trains
"Mk4" = Trains composed of Mark 4 Coaches
"XC" = Cross Country Trains

The type of train may alternatively be spelled out in full [21.43].

[21.41] Stop Marker.	[21.42] Stop Marker.	[21.43] Stop Marker.

'Gatwick Express' services began in 1984, running between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria stations. Stop markers applicable to these trains were prefixed with the letters "GX" [21.44].

[21.44] 'Gatwick Express' Stop Marker.

The original platform demarcation boards at Bristol Temple Meads (see [21.37]) were replaced by double-sided indicators showing a black St. Andrew's cross on a permanently illuminated white background [21.45]. If signalled to stop at the indicator, it must not then be passed without verbal permission from the signalman.

[21.45] St. Andrew's Cross Indicator (Bristol Temple Meads).

In 1990, a stop marker was provided on Platform 1 at Inverness station, suspended from the station roof [21.46]. This marker applies only to Class 158 ('Express') diesel multiple units.

[21.46] "E Stop" Marker (Inverness).

The 'InterCity 225' trains entered service on the East Coast Main Line in 1990. These trains comprise a Class 91 electric locomotive, nine Mark 4 coaches and a Driving Van Trailer (DVT). Stop markers with the words "DVT 9 Locomotive" were installed at Berwick-upon-Tweed station [21.47].

[21.47] InterCity 225 Stop Marker (Berwick-upon-Tweed).

Stop markers applicable to Eurostar trains and indicating the appropriate number of vehicles are provided on the international platforms at Ashford International station [21.48].

[21.48] Vehicle Stop Marker (Eurostar).

At some stations on the Merseyrail system, the identification number of the platform starting signal (where one is provided) is stated on any car stop marker that is positioned some distance back from the signal [21.49].

[21.49] Car Stop Marker with signal number (e.g. HN201).

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