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Section 21: Stopping Markers

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'Mid platform marker boards' of a new design [21.48] were provided at Birmingham Snow Hill station in 1999. This type of sign was adopted as standard in 2003.

[21.48] Mid Platform Marker Board.

From 2000, Class 373 (Eurostar) trains leased to GNER began operating over the southern part of the East Coast Main Line. Appropriate stop markers were provided at the stations where they call [21.49].

[21.49] Class 373 Stop Marker.

The Sudbury line platform at Marks Tey station is sharply curved. When Class 150 DMUs were introduced to the Sudbury line in 2001, four raised access platforms were fixed to the existing platform in positions corresponding to the train doors, to reduce the stepping distance for passengers. Because these platforms are not intended for use with Class 153 DMUs, separate stop markers were provided for each type of unit [21.50]. In the Up direction, the stopping position for both classes is the same and an additional stop marker for all trains is provided [21.51].

[21.50] Stop Marker (e.g. applicable to Class 153 units) (Marks Tey).	[21.51] Stop Marker (Marks Tey).

South West Trains have installed their own style of car stop markers [21.52 & 21.53]. A stop marker applicable to electric multiple units may be suffixed with "EMU" [21.54]. At stations with short platforms, a stop marker with a letter "X" [21.55] beyond the platform end indicates the position where the front of an 8-car train should stop so that all the passenger doors will be beside the platform.

[21.52] Car Stop Marker (South West Trains).	[21.53] Car Stop Marker (South West Trains).	[21.54] EMU Car Stop Marker (South West Trains).	[21.55] "X Car Stop" Marker (South West Trains).

Stop markers with the legend "ECS" were provided at the west end of Branksome station in 2001 [21.56]. These apply to empty coaching stock (ECS) trains reversing on the Down line. The markers are positioned such that most of the train can be drawn clear of the platform, with just the rear cab remaining on the platform for signal sighting purposes.

[21.56] ECS Stop Marker (Branksome).

From 2002, stop markers were introduced that applied only to Virgin Trains' 'Voyager' and 'Pendolino' trains. These have the letters "VT" at the top, and white figures on a black background [21.57 & 21.58]. A stop marker applicable to any length of train has no figure, but bears the word "stop" [21.59].

[21.57] Car Stop Marker (Virgin Trains).	[21.58] Car Stop Marker (Virgin Trains).	[21.59] Stop Marker (Virgin Trains).

Services between London Euston and Holyhead are formed of Class 390 'Pendolino' electric units. Since the route is not electrified between Crewe and Holyhead, the Pendolinos are 'dragged' by Class 57 diesel locomotives over the non electrified part, where appropriate stop markers are provided [21.60].

A stop marker with a letter "T" at the bottom [21.61] applies only to services that turn back at the station.

[21.60] Stop Marker applicable to loco-hauled Class 390 trains (Virgin Trains).	[21.61] Car Stop Marker for services turning back (Virgin Trains).

At certain locations, a more precision stop is required by drivers of longer trains. Where this is the case, the stop marker will have a letter "X" at the bottom [21.62]. The driver must stop the front of the train at this precise spot. Another variant states the class of train to which it applies [21.63].

[21.62] Precision Stop Marker (Virgin Trains).	[21.63] Precision Stop Marker applicable only to Class 390 ('Pendolino') trains (Virgin Trains).

Stop markers with a white background [21.64] are provided at locations other than station platforms where Class 390 'Pendolino' units regularly turn back.

[21.64] Stop Marker applicable to Class 390 units turning back (Virgin Trains).

Certain stop signals that are positioned a short distance ahead of station platforms are designated as 'remote platform starting signals'. When such signals are displaying a 'danger' aspect, drivers of passenger trains having completed station duties are not allowed to draw up to the signals to await their clearance. They must instead remain at the station, so as to prevent the situation where the train would be partly alongside the platform. In order that signals identified as remote platform starting signals be readily identifiable to drivers, experimental signs [21.65 & 21.66] were installed on the Edinburgh - Glasgow line in 2002. The signs, fitted to all car stop markers at the platform concerned, identify the signal ahead as a remote platform starting signal and indicate the means by which the driver should contact the signalman if the signal is at 'danger'. In most cases a telephone number is displayed [21.65], and the driver will contact the signalman using the National Radio Network (NRN) (see Section 19). However, some signs advise the driver to use the telephone on the platform, where one is provided [21.66].

[21.65] Experimental 'Remote Platform Starting Signal' Identification Sign (Scotland Zone).	[21.66] Experimental 'Remote Platform Starting Signal' Identification Sign (Scotland Zone).

In 2003, a special stop marker was provided on Platform 4 at Balham station [21.67]. The marker applies only to Class 460 Gatwick Express trains. If the platform starting signal (number VC628) is showing a 'danger' aspect, the train must be brought to a stand at this sign, located at a distance of 21 metres from the signal.

[21.67] Special Stop Marker for Class 460 trains (Balham).

A board worded "ATP Car Stop" [21.68] was provided at Aynho Junction in 2003. Its purpose is to indicate to drivers of ATP fitted trains reversing at Aynho Junction and returning to Bicester North, the precise location where to stand. The train must be stopped at a precise location to enable the ATP Train Control system to set up correctly.

[21.68] "ATP Car Stop" Board.

In 2003, further 'remote platform starting signal' identification signs were provided throughout the Scotland Region. The small diamond shape above the telephone number was omitted on these later examples [21.69].

[21.69] 'Remote Platform Starting Signal' Identification Sign (Scotland Region).

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