|
|
|
|
|
|
Another form of non-standard differential speed restriction sign [13.84] and advance warning indicator [13.85] was installed in the Old Oak Common and Park Royal areas (Western Region) in 1993, which included the letter "T" for 'Turbo' (Class 165 and 166) units, as well as "HST". The last examples were removed in 2019.
 |
 |
|
[13.84] Non-standard Differential Permanent Speed Restriction Sign. Lower figure (higher speed) applies to HSTs and Turbos.
Area: Old Oak Common / Park Royal Usage: Low Status: Historical |
[13.85] Advance Warning Indicator applicable to a non-standard differential permanent speed restriction. Lower figure (higher speed) applies to HSTs and Turbos.
Area: Old Oak Common / Park Royal Usage: Low Status: Historical |
|---|
|
At Welsh's Bridge Junction in Inverness, there are examples of a non-standard form of speed signage that has two speeds displayed on the same board in the manner of a standard differential speed restriction (see [13.64]), with a directional arrow below [13.86]. In this case, however, only the lower speed applies to the diverging line, while the upper figure is a reminder of the permissible speed on the straight route. |
|
An advantage of the old 'cut-out' speed restriction signs (see [13.17]) over the newer reflectorised boards was that they remained readable even when covered with graffiti or brake dust. An experimental speed restriction sign, for use in places where brake dust or graffiti problems were known to exist, was provided at Hampton Wick (South West Zone) in c.1996. It was similar in appearance to a standard reflectorised speed restriction sign (see [13.45]), but the numerals were cut out. A similar experimental sign was installed at Herne Hill (Southern Zone) in March 1999.
In August 1996, special speed restriction signs applying only to "Merry-Go-Round" (MGR) coal trains consisting of HAA type coal hoppers (loaded or empty) were erected at two locations on the London North Eastern Zone. One was across Yarm Viaduct (20 mph restriction) and the other between Ferrybridge and Milford Junction, over the curve in the vicinity of the former Burton Salmon Junction (30 mph restriction). The commencement of each special speed restriction is marked by a sign showing the speed figure below a silhouette of a hopper wagon [13.87]. The termination of the special restriction is denoted by a sign that is similar but additionally has a black cross superimposed [13.88].
 |
 |
|
[13.87] MGR Permanent Speed Restriction Commencement Sign.
Area: LNE Zone Usage: Low Status: Uncertain |
[13.88] MGR Permanent Speed Restriction Termination Sign.
Area: LNE Zone Usage: Low Status: Uncertain |
|---|
In 1999, combined signs were installed on the approaches to Buriton Tunnel (Southern Zone), indicating a permanent speed restriction of 40 mph that applies only to Class 442 'Wessex Electric' units and HSTs [13.89]. Combined warning indicators were also provided [13.90]. These signs replaced separate signs with "HST" and "WES" speeds previously installed at the same location.
 |
 |
|
[13.89] Non-standard Differential Permanent Speed Restriction Sign (combined).
Area: Buriton Tunnel Usage: Low Status: Historical |
[13.90] Warning Indicator applicable to a non-standard differential permanent speed restriction (combined).
Area: Buriton Tunnel Usage: Low Status: Historical |
|---|
|
In June 2000, non-standard differential speed restriction signs were installed on the line between Whitlingham Junction and Sheringham (East Anglia Zone), with higher speeds applicable to Class 150 - 170 trains. These signs were unusual in that the letters "SP" were placed below the relevant speed value [13.91]. Where warning indicators were provided, however, the lower indicators had the letters "SP" above the speed value in the normal fashion (see [13.57]). The "SP" speed restriction signs on this line were replaced by ordinary "MU" speed restriction signs in December 2021 in connection with the introduction of Class 755 trains. |
|
|
A non-standard differential speed restriction sign in 'cut-out' form [13.92] was installed on the Down Main line between Llanbradach and Aber (Great Western Zone) in 2000. |
|
|
A non-standard differential speed restriction sign with the code letters indicating the type of train placed below the relevant speed value also exists with both speeds combined on a single sign [13.93]. |
|
The introduction of Class 221 and 390 tilting trains to the West Coast Main Line brought significant changes to speed signage. Tilting trains can negotiate curved track at a higher speed than non-tilting trains without unduly affecting passenger comfort. The higher speed, applicable to tilting trains provided that their tilting mechanism is in working order, is shown on an "Enhanced Permissible Speed" (EPS) sign. If the tilt mechanism has failed, the train must not exceed the lower permissible speed. Tilting trains have an "EPS authorised" indication in the cab, which must be illuminated while running in accordance with the speeds exhibited on the EPS signs.
Experimental EPS signage was put on trial at two sites on the West Coast Main Line in February 2001. The trial sites were at Linslade Tunnel and Norton Bridge. Two types of EPS signs were trialled [13.94 & 13.95], along with an experimental EPS warning indicator [13.96]. These experimental signs all showed random letters in place of a speed figure.
 |
|
|
|
[13.94] Experimental EPS Sign.
Area: Linslade Tunnel / Norton Bridge Usage: Low Status: Historical |
[13.95] Experimental EPS Sign.
Area: Linslade Tunnel / Norton Bridge Usage: Low Status: Historical |
[13.96] Experimental EPS Warning Indicator.
Area: Linslade Tunnel / Norton Bridge Usage: Low Status: Historical |
|---|
Further trials of experimental EPS signage took place at Linslade Tunnel and Norton Bridge in April 2001. Three different styles of EPS signs were trialled [13.97 - 13.99], along with a range of experimental EPS warning indicators [13.100 - 13.102].
 |
 |
 |
|
[13.97] Experimental EPS Sign.
Area: Linslade Tunnel / Norton Bridge Usage: Low Status: Historical |
[13.98] Experimental EPS Sign (subsequently adopted as standard).
Area: Linslade Tunnel / Norton Bridge (subsequently All Areas) Usage: High Status: Current |
[13.99] Experimental EPS Sign.
Area: Linslade Tunnel / Norton Bridge Usage: Low Status: Historical |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
|
[13.100] Experimental EPS Warning Indicator.
Area: Linslade Tunnel / Norton Bridge Usage: Low Status: Historical |
[13.101] Experimental EPS Warning Indicator.
Area: Linslade Tunnel / Norton Bridge Usage: Low Status: Historical |
[13.102] Experimental EPS Warning Indicator (subsequently adopted as standard).
Area: Linslade Tunnel / Norton Bridge (subsequently All Areas) Usage: Low Status: Obsolescent |
Where an EPS sign is provided, it is always installed underneath a standard permissible speed sign, never in isolation. Similarly, an EPS warning indicator is always installed below a standard warning indicator. Following the trials with the experimental signs, the forms of EPS sign and warning indicator chosen to become standard were, in both cases, those bearing the letters "EPS" on a yellow background (see [13.98 & 13.102]). The first stretch of line to be fitted with the new standard EPS signs was between Carnforth and Upperby Junction (Carlisle) in December 2001, for test purposes only. Those signs were removed in November 2003, but EPS signs have since been progressively installed along the West Coast Main Line.
The Tyne & Wear Metro extension to South Hylton opened in January 2002. To gain access to the new branch line, the light rail Metro units share tracks with heavy rail trains between Pelaw and Sunderland. As noted earlier, the standard form of permissible speed sign on the mainline railways (see [13.45]) was identical in appearance to the speed signs on the Tyne & Wear Metro system, but in the latter case the speed indicated was in kilometres per hour, not miles per hour. To avoid confusion on the joint running sections of line, a new design of metric speed sign was introduced for Metro units. The new signs are hexagonal in shape with a red border and include the units "kmh", and on the joint running sections they are mounted below the normal permissible speed signs [13.103]. Similarly, an additional "kmh" board with a yellow border is mounted below a normal warning indicator [13.104]. Since the "kmh" signs show the speeds that apply specifically to Metro units, these do not necessarily represent the direct metric equivalent of the speed exhibited above in miles per hour. The new hexagonal speed signs were progressively installed throughout the Tyne & Wear Metro system, replacing the original circular signs.
 |
 |
|
[13.103] Permanent Speed Restriction Sign with metric sign applicable to Metro units.
Area: Pelaw - Sunderland Usage: Medium Status: Current |
[13.104] Warning Indicator with metric sign applicable to Metro units.
Area: Pelaw - Sunderland Usage: Low Status: Current |
|---|
|
|
|
