Home Page > Section 8; pages: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Section 8: Over-run Prevention and Mitigation

(Page 3 of 5)


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. Status Uncertain Click Here for Photo [8.37] "Check Signal" Sign. Status: Current Click Here for Photo

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). Status: Obsolete [8.39] Line Reminder Sign (Norwood Junction). Status: Obsolete

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). Status: Obsolescent [8.41] Signal Reminder Board (Scotland Zone). Status: Obsolescent Click Here for Photo

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). Status: Obsolescent

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). Status: Obsolete

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 [8.44 - 8.49]. These signs may be positioned at each of the "Car Stop" markers, at DOO monitors/mirrors, or alongside the signal concerned.

[8.44] "Check Signal Aspect" Sign (Southern). Status: Current Click Here for Photo [8.45] "Check Signal Aspect" Sign (South Eastern Trains). Status: Current [8.46] "Re-Check Signal!" Sign (South West Trains). Status: Current
[8.47] "Re-Check Signal Aspect" Sign (Great Western Zone). Status: Current Click Here for Photo [8.48] "Re-Check Signal Aspect" Sign (East Anglia Zone). Status: Current [8.49] "Check Signal" Sign (Arriva Trains Wales). Status: Current

Some new countdown markers installed on the Southern Zone in 2000 stated the distance to the relevant station or signal in red text [8.50 & 8.51], instead of having the usual red diagonal bars (see [8.10]).

[8.50] Countdown Markers ( (a) - Outer board; (b) - Intermediate board; (c) - Inner board ) (Southern Zone). Status Uncertain
[8.51] Countdown Markers (Southern Zone). Status Uncertain

Signal WM717 controls the exit from the Down Side Carriage Shed at London Euston and was commissioned during resignalling of the station in 2000. Shortly after being brought into use, a board was added near the signal, worded "Obey WM717" with a left-hand arrow [8.52].

[8.52] "Obey WM717" Sign. Status Uncertain

In September 2000, a signal distance information board was provided at Dunfermline Queen Margaret station, stating the distance to the signal ahead [8.53].

[8.53] Signal Distance Information Board. Status: Obsolescent Click Here for Photo

A signal distance information board was erected at Ashtead station, alongside the DOO mirror at the south end of the Down platform [8.54].

[8.54] Signal Distance Information Board. Status: Obsolescent