Reducing the Cost of Signalling

Part 1- The requirement to sustain rural and lightly used lines in the UK and elsewhere has proved problematic. The radical but highly cost effective measures which saved the Scottish ‘Far North’ line from closure in the 1980’s are a still relevant case study in how to match ALARP safety arguments to the introduction of new signalling technology. Part 2 - In 170 years lineside signalling has gone from flags and oil lamps to LEDs. But in the last 20 years railway passengers’ onboard communications have gone from nothing to picture messaging. And yet, a location triggered picture of a signal can, if securely displayed in the cab, act as a virtual lineside signal.

Ben Clements has been Research Director of Park Signalling since 2002. Before that he spent 17 years in R&D at ALSTOM Signalling working on a number of ATO, ATP, CBTC and interlocking systems in both the UK and France. His current research interest is the design of distributed safety systems incorporating commodity IT equipment. John Slinn has 40 years experience of electronic product design in a wide range of industries, including 28 years in ‘fail safe’ railway signalling and train control. John established Park Signalling in 2000. Previously John worked for Alstom Signalling and was responsible, amongst others, for the design and development of both SSI and RETB system equipment