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Section 8: Over-run Prevention and Mitigation

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The signal controlling moves into the reversing siding at Harrow & Wealdstone, number WS55, was also a 'multi-SPAD' signal. Mitigating measures included the position light aspect (applying to the siding) being fitted with a large surround that had black and white striped edges [8.36]. In addition, a sign worded "Check Signal" was fitted to the post of the platform "Car Stop" marker [8.37].

[8.36] Position light signal with black and white striped surround.	[8.37] "Check Signal" Sign.

Signal T22 at Norwood Junction was one of the worst multi-SPAD signals. As a mitigation measure, countdown markers (see [8.10]) were installed on its approach in October 1999. Additionally, the outer countdown marker, 300 metres from the signal, was accompanied by a line reminder sign stating the signal number [8.38]. A line reminder sign, with a yellow background [8.39], was also placed alongside the signal itself.

[8.38] Line Reminder Sign (Norwood Junction).	[8.39] Line Reminder Sign (Norwood Junction).

From October 1999, the Scotland Zone began to install signal reminder boards with a yellow background [8.40], in some cases supplanting the earlier style boards. Where the board was associated with a platform starting signal and installed just a few feet in rear of the signal, the supplementary sign was replaced by a large arrow sign that pointed towards the track [8.41].

[8.40] Signal Reminder Board (Scotland Zone).	[8.41] Signal Reminder Board (Scotland Zone).

In November 1999, signal distance information boards [8.42] were provided on the approach to two signals on the Midlands Zone, one at Smethwick Galton Bridge and the other at Nuneaton. The distance to the signal, and its number, are stated on the board.

[8.42] Signal Distance Information Board (Midlands Zone).

In order to distinguish the line of approach to signal RY152 at Rugby, the support of the overbridge immediately behind the signal was coloured with alternate blue and white bands [8.43]. This was done in December 1999, following a number of SPADs at the adjacent signal, number RY151, which was positioned to the right of RY152 on the same gantry.

[8.43] Blue and white bands on bridge support (Rugby).

Some new countdown markers installed on the Southern Zone in 2000 stated the distance to the relevant station or signal in red text [8.44 & 8.45], instead of having the usual red diagonal bars (see [8.10]).

[8.44] Countdown Markers ( (a) - Outer board; (b) - Intermediate board; (c) - Inner board ) (Southern Zone).


[8.45] Countdown Markers (Southern Zone).

In September 2000, a signal distance information board was provided at Dunfermline Queen Margaret station, stating the distance to the signal ahead [8.46].

[8.46] Signal Distance Information Board.

The first signal encountered after leaving Oxford station to the north was signal OX26, which had restricted sighting. In November 2000, a very large board worded "OX26 Ahead" was attached to the overbridge on the approach to the signal [8.47].

[8.47] "OX26 Ahead" Sign (Oxford).

Signs with a blue and white surround were fitted on both sides of signal gantries on the approach to London Waterloo, to clearly identify the Down Windsor Fast line [8.48].

[8.48] Line Reminder Sign with blue and white striped surround.

Despite the provision of mitigation measures (see [8.38 & 8.39]), a further SPAD incident occurred at signal T22 at Norwood Junction on 20 October 2000. Following this, the original countdown markers were replaced by new ones having blue and white edging and stating the signal number [8.49]. The original line reminder sign alongside the signal head (see [8.39]) was replaced by one with a white background and blue and white edging [8.50].

[8.49] Countdown Markers with blue and white striped surrounds ( (a) - Outer board; (b) - Intermediate board; (c) - Inner board ).	[8.50] Line Reminder Sign with blue and white striped surround.

At some stations where a signal is situated at the end of the platform, signs have been provided to remind the driver to check the aspect displayed by the signal before departing [8.51 - 8.54]. These signs may be positioned at each of the "Car Stop" markers, at DOO monitors/mirrors, or alongside the signal concerned.

[8.51] "Re-Check Signal Aspect" Sign (Great Western Zone).	[8.52] "Check Signal Aspect" Sign (Southern Zone).


[8.53] "Check Signal Aspect" Sign (Southern Zone).	[8.54] "Check Signal" Sign (Arriva Trains Wales).

From 2001, at a number of stations operated by South West Trains, small signs have been placed near the "Car Stop" markers, worded "D.R.A. Reminder" and bearing a picture of a red signal [8.55]. This acts as a reminder to the driver to set the 'driver's reminder appliance' (D.R.A.) if the platform starting signal (where provided) is at 'danger', or if the previous signal was displaying 'caution' (where no platform starting signal is provided). The same signs have subsequently been provided in some other areas.

[8.55] D.R.A. Reminder Sign.

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