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- Freephone: 0800 4 101 101
- Text us on: 07507 285 887
- Freepost: Freepost CIRAS
- Call me back
February 2011 in Network Rail and Suppliers
Equipment
Signalling
East Midlands
Drivers are concerned about a defective semaphore signal in the Stow Park signal box area increasing the risk of a Signal Passed at Danger (SPAD).
The distant signal on the Up Line has been out of use since March 2010. The reporter believes a pneumatic/hydraulic component has been removed from the signal, meaning it is now always displaying caution. This could create complacency amongst Drivers, if the home signal is green they are now assuming the section signal will also be green and the distant signal is no longer referred to.
Network Rail would like to thank the reporter for bringing their concerns to our attention.
Could Network Rail comment on any plans in place to repair
the signal and explain why it has been out of use for
long?
Stow Park 29 signal has been out of use for almost a year. Over
ten years ago the signal was converted from mechanical wire
operation to a unique hydraulic system due to the weight of the
pull. When this unit failed after a long period of fault free
service replacement parts were unobtainable as the company who made
the kit had ceased trading. An alternative company has now been
found and approved to carry out the repairs. At the end of February
2011 the unit was returned and fitted at Lincoln depot.
The long term plan is to convert both distant signals at Stow Park to standard parts to avoid a repeat of this situation.
