50950 Change of standard regarding posting in the late notice case

September 2012 in Train Operations

tagged Rules and procedures Not Specified

A reporter is concerned that Drivers no longer have the opportunity to learn about Emergency Speed Restrictions (ESRs) for the whole route they work over. This is following a recent change to what should be posted in the late notice case.

The reporter has been informed that the new standard only requires ESRs to be posted in the late notice case for the most complex part of the route the Drivers work over. However, the reporter states that this may only cover about two percent of the route in some instances.

As Drivers are no longer getting advanced warning about ESRs, the reporter feels that this is lowering the level of safety on the infrastructure.

Could RSSB clarify:

What the current standard states should be posted in the late notice case?
If the standard for posting ESRs in the late notice case has been changed. If yes, explain why and if this has been risk assessed

Response from RSSB

There is noRailway Group Standardthat states what should be posted in the late notice case. Train operators or freight operators may however have their own internal standards. Some locations have no late notice cases and Drivers sign in remotely. Because there is no longer aRailway Group Standardthat states what should be posted in the late notice case no changes have recently occurred.

The rules did change in June 2008 when it was no longer a requirement for Operations Control to issue a special notice to each train operator if an ESR will be in place for more than a short time. This was agreed by the industry based on the fact that the boards that are in place are sufficient to inform Drivers of the ESR. There is still a requirement for the Signaller to inform each Driver before the boards are in place.

50950 Change of standard regarding posting in the late notice case

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