41146 High intensity lights dazzling Drivers at level crossings

December 2010 in Network Rail and Suppliers

Level Crossings Equipment East Anglia

Areporter is concerned that newly installed, high intensity Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) at level crossings on the East Suffolk line are dazzling Train Drivers on their approach. The LEDs, which replace bulbs, let Drivers know on their approach that the crossing is fully functional. There is a particularly high concentration of
crossings on this line - about 50 over a relatively short stretch of about 45 miles. Most of the crossings are monitored by the Driver because the area is so remote.

However, Drivers are now complaining that the extremely bright LEDs make it too difficult to see if the crossings are clear. Faced with this situation in the cab,
most Drivers pull the sunblind down or shield their eyes.  Some actually find it necessary to close their eyes or suffer headaches as a result of the brightness. In these circumstances, it is far more difficult to spot if there is anything on the crossing. Consequently, an emergency brake application could be delayed. One crossing at Beccles bypass has had the LED lights realigned after some Driver feedback, but the reporter suggests this solution has been less effective than first envisaged.

The reporter asks Network Rail if:

• Drivers on the East Suffolk line can be consulted on the effect of the LEDs?
• Is there an intention to use LEDs on crossings across the whole network?
• Would they consider fitting some sort of filter over the LEDs, or perhaps reinstate the old bulbs?
• Further plans to use the LEDs may be re-evaluated in the light of this feedback?

National Express East Anglia are asked whether:

• Driver Managers could ask their Drivers about the effect of LEDs on their driving?
• They could liaise with Network Rail on this issue?

Response from Network Rail

Network Rail would like to thank the reporter for bringing their concerns to our attention

Can drivers on the East Suffolk line be consulted on the effect of the LEDs?
Following the raising of this issue, Network Rail and National Express East Anglia have discussed how such changes can be explained to the Drivers.

Is there an intention to use LEDs on crossings across the whole network?
It is currently the intention to utilise LED units as a direct replacement to traditional filament bulbs across the network. LED units are currently used in the full variety of signals including Driver Crossing Indicators (DCIs). The DCIs across the East Suffolk line have been installed as part of a campaign change fitment that has installed LEDs at crossings nationally.

Would Network Rail consider fitting some sort of filter over the LEDs, or perhaps reinstate the old bulbs?
Network Rail are currently not considering the fitment of any form of filter over the LEDs as this would be considered detrimental to the output of the unit which is currently required to be visible from 600 metres. LEDs have been identified as the replacement for the traditional filament based bulbs and it is not the intention to revert any installation or install any new filament based signals. Trials of the LED units were undertaken and demonstrated an improvement on the filament
bulbs offering improved visibility and reliability charateristics.

Will any further plans to use the LEDs be re-evaluated in the light of this feedback?
At present there have been no other similar comments made on the numerous DCIs fitted as part of the campaign change. However it is recognised that there is in excess of 20 crossings that currently have these fitted on the circa 50 crossings that are present on the East Suffolk line. In light of this feedback a cab ride(s) will be undertaken by our
Signal Sighting Engineer to look into the specifics of this stretch of line with particular attention to the density of crossings and the rural general low light areas in which these units are present.

Will any further plans to use the LEDs be re-evaluated in the light of this feedback?
At present there have been no other similar comments made on the numerous DCIs fitted as part of the campaign change, however it is recognised that there is in excess of 20 crossings that currently have these fitted on the circa 50 crossings that are present on the East Suffolk line. In light of this feedback a cab ride(s) will be undertaken by our Signal Sighting Engineer to look into the specifics of this stretch of line with particular attention to the density of crossings and the rural general low light areas in which these units are present.

Awaiting response from National Express East Anglia.