ABSTRACT
In the UK, there are a number of different permitted means to signal junctions. This introduces some inconsistencies to the driver on the approach, and when driving through a turnout, in terms of both information presentation and meaning. The main potential problems which arise are Signals Passed at Danger (SPADs) overspeeding and that train drivers cannot remedy mis-routeings. The result of mis-routeing a train include the train and route being incompatible or the driver not being “signed for”, i.e. has not been trained and assessed over the route. Mis-routeings always result in lost time but could also lead to the need to set the train back against signals and, in a worse-case, a fouling of stock and infrastructure.
