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Section 21: Stopping Markers

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Automatic fume extraction equipment is installed above Platforms 18 and 19 at London Victoria station. Diesel trains therefore normally use those platforms. Drivers of DEMUs (Diesel Electric Multiple Units) must stop the train with the leading cab adjacent to the special stop markers provided on the approach to the buffer stops [21.50].

[21.50] "DEMU Stop" Marker.

In 1998, stop markers applicable only to Thameslink trains were installed at certain stations on the Brighton line. These had yellow figures on a blue background [21.51].

[21.51] Car Stop Marker (Thameslink Trains).

Certain stations on the East Coast Main Line are located on a steep gradient. Drivers of Class 253 & 254 High Speed Trains or trains composed of Mark 4 vehicles are required to place the brake controller in the "Hold" position when stopped at the platforms concerned. Suitably worded marker boards were provided from 1999, with the letters "HST", "Mk4" or "HST / Mk4" at the top [21.52].

[21.52] "Hold" Stopping Marker.

'Mid platform marker boards' of a new design [21.53] were provided at Birmingham Snow Hill station in 1999. This type of sign was adopted as standard in 2003.

[21.53] 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 [21.54].

[21.54] 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 were not intended for use with Class 153 DMUs, separate stop markers were provided for each type of unit [21.55]. In the Up direction, the stopping position for both classes was the same and an additional stop marker for all trains was provided [21.56]. These markers were removed in 2010 when Class 150s were prohibited from working on the Sudbury line.

[21.55] Stop Marker (e.g. applicable to Class 153 units) (Marks Tey).	[21.56] Stop Marker (Marks Tey).

South West Trains have installed their own style of car stop markers [21.57 & 21.58]. A stop marker applicable to electric multiple units may be suffixed with "EMU" [21.59]. At stations with short platforms, a stop marker with a letter "X" [21.60] 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.

[21.57] Car Stop Marker (South West Trains).	[21.58] Car Stop Marker (South West Trains).	[21.59] EMU Car Stop Marker (South West Trains).	[21.60] "X Car Stop" Marker (South West Trains).

Stop markers with the legend "ECS" were provided at the west end of Branksome station in 2001 [21.61]. 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.

[21.61] 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 [21.62 & 21.63]. A stop marker applicable to any length of train has no figure, but bears the word "stop" [21.64].

[21.62] Car Stop Marker (Virgin Trains).	[21.63] Car Stop Marker (Virgin Trains).	[21.64] 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 [21.65].

A stop marker with a letter "T" at the bottom [21.66] applies only to services that turn back at the station.

[21.65] Stop Marker applicable to loco-hauled Class 390 trains (Virgin Trains).	[21.66] 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 [21.67]. The driver must stop the front of the train at this precise spot. Another variant states the class of train to which it applies [21.68].

[21.67] Precision Stop Marker (Virgin Trains).	[21.68] Precision Stop Marker applicable only to Class 390 ('Pendolino') trains (Virgin Trains).

Stop markers with a white background [21.69] are provided at locations other than station platforms where Class 390 'Pendolino' units regularly turn back.

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

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