Polish railway signalling

Last updated

The Polish (PKP) railway signalling system provides a complex outlook of traffic situations, yet is quite easy to understand. Signals can be divided into following categories:

Contents

Most signals are colour lights.

On few stations remained mechanical signals, as well as old colour light signals.

Colour light signals

Semi-automatic signals

Semi-automatic is the most important type of signal on Polish railways. Its name reflects the fact that it switches to a red (stop) aspect automatically after a train has passed it but it must be switched back to clear by an explicit action from a signal box or dispatch centre. It is the typical signal in use at stations.

A semi-automatic signal can be recognized by its post which is painted with red and white strips. Dwarf versions have their boxes painted so.

A red (stop) aspect on a semi-automatic signal must not be passed.

As presented on this compact chart, semi-automatic signals can display both near and distant functions. Near signals either command a stop or impose a certain speed limit beginning at that signal. Distant signals tell the driver what to expect at the next signal, especially when braking is required.

Distant signal
Vmax100 km/h60 or 40 km/hStopunspecified
Zielony gora ciagly.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Zielony gora migajacy.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek migajace.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Semaforykrzyzyk.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Zielony pas.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Pomaranczowy pas.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Czerwone srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Vmax100 km/h60 km/h40 km/hStop
Near signal
All permitted aspects on semi-automatic signals:
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Czerwone srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
S1 stop
Proceed or speed reduction order:
Zielony gora ciagly.svg Zielony gora migajacy.svg Wygaszony gora.svg Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Pomaranczowe srodek migajace.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg Wygaszony dol.svg Wygaszony dol.svg Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg Podstawa semafor.svg Podstawa semafor.svg Podstawa semafor.svg
S2 clear, proceed at Vmax
S3 reduce speed to 100 km/h
S4 reduce speed to 60 or 40 km/h
S5 stop at next signal
Speed limit 100 km/h:
Zielony gora ciagly.svg Zielony gora migajacy.svg Wygaszony gora.svg Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Pomaranczowe srodek migajace.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg Wygaszony dol.svg Wygaszony dol.svg Wygaszony dol.svg
Zielony pas.svg Zielony pas.svg Zielony pas.svg Zielony pas.svg
S6 speed limit 100; will be Vmax after next signal
S7 speed limit 100; will be 100 after next signal
S8 speed limit 100; will be 60 or 40 after next signal
S9 speed limit 100; will be stop at next signal
Speed limit 60 km/h:
Zielony gora ciagly.svg Zielony gora migajacy.svg Wygaszony gora.svg Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Pomaranczowe srodek migajace.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg Wygaszony dol.svg Wygaszony dol.svg Wygaszony dol.svg
Pomaranczowy pas.svg Pomaranczowy pas.svg Pomaranczowy pas.svg Pomaranczowy pas.svg
S10a speed limit 60 km/h; will be Vmax after next signal
S11a speed limit 60 km/h; will be 100 after next signal
S12a speed limit 60 km/h; will be 60 or 40 after next signal
S13a speed limit 60 km/h; will be stop at next signal
Speed limit 40 km/h:
Zielony gora ciagly.svg Zielony gora migajacy.svg Wygaszony gora.svg Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Pomaranczowe srodek migajace.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg Wygaszony dol.svg Wygaszony dol.svg Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg Podstawa semafor.svg Podstawa semafor.svg Podstawa semafor.svg
S10 speed limit 40 km/h; will be Vmax after next signal
S11 speed limit 40 km/h; will be 100 after next signal
S12 speed limit 40 km/h; will be 60 or 40 after next signal
S13 speed limit 40 km/h; will be stop at next signal

Other speeds

Since 2007 the Ie-1 code which regards signalling allows other speed limits. They are indicated by a number representing the speed in tens of km/h (e.g. 5 means 50 km/h) which is lit only with a more restrictive signalling aspect, such that the displayed number relaxes the regular aspect:

  • a speed limit of 50 km/h is indicated by a digit 5 with aspects S10—S13
  • speed limits of 70, 80, 90 km/h are indicated by digits 7, 8, 9 with aspects S10a—S13a
  • speed limits of 110, 120, 130 km/h are indicated by numbers 11, 12, 13 with aspects S6—S9

On distant signals and repeaters these other speeds are not displayed, therefore a more restrictive aspect is effectively announced.

Nameplates

Semi-automatic signals on a station are tagged with consecutive letters of Latin alphabet, or with a letter followed by a number representing the track number the signal is located on (if multiple signals use the same letter).

The nameplates also contain speed indication which appears as a superscript or a fraction. The numbers have following meaning:

  • 1 this signal is followed by a switch with straight direction, Vmax is possible
  • 2 this signal is followed by a switch with diverging direction of 40 km/h
  • 3 this signal is followed by a switch with diverging direction of 100 km/h
  • 4 this signal is followed by a switch with diverging direction of 60 km/h

Therefore, a nameplate H 1/2 means a signal named H that aside from S1 will also display S2-S5 aspects for straight direction and S10-S13 for diverging direction. Whereas P3 2 means a signal named P3 that aside from S1 only displays S10-S13 aspects because it's followed only by diverging points.

There may also be a letter m which specifies that this signal also functions as a shunting signal (see below).

Subsidiary signal

Subsidiary Signal
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Czerwone srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Biale dol migajace.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Biale dol migajace.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Biale jednokomorowe migajace.svg
Podstawa Sz2N.svg
Sz, the subsidiary signal (Pol. sygnał zastępczy) is a signal issued in case of malfunction.

The first picture presents a typical case where the dispatcher cannot change the signal from S1.
The second picture presents a case where the signal is powered down.
Third picture presents a special signal where only the Sz sign can be displayed. The train must stop and wait until Sz is issued.

Automatic signals

Automatic signals are used on lines equipped with automatic block signaling. Their colour language is the same as aspects S1-S5 of semi-automatic signals. The main difference regards the S1 (red) aspect – After stopping, it can be passed but the subsequent maximum speed is limited to 20 km/h.

Automatic signals have their posts painted white (without red strips) to be easily distinguished from semi-automatic signals.

Automatic signals are numbered by their nearest kilometre post multiplied by 10, odd numbers on the down track and even numbers on the up track. Signals on the track opposite to typical traffic (usually on the left track as Polish railways operate on the right track by default) have the letter N appended to the resulting number. A set of bi-directional automatic signals located on the 324.09 km marker will therefore be numbered 3241 on the down track, 3240 on the up track, 3241N on the down track reverse, and 3240N on the up track reverse. In the case of multi-track arrangements with signals located close to each other on different lines, other letters may be affixed to the numbers to distinguish signals on different tracks.

Automatic signals:
2-state ABS:
Wygaszony gora.svg
Zielony dol ciagly.svg
Podstawa SBL.svg
Czerwone gora ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa SBL.svg
S2 proceed
S1 stop, train ahead
3-state ABS:
Zielony gora ciagly.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa SBL.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa SBL.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Czerwone srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa SBL.svg
S2 proceed (>1 block free)
S5 stop at next signal (1 block free)
S1 stop, train ahead
4-state ABS:
Zielony gora ciagly.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa SBL.svg
Zielony gora migajacy.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa SBL.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa SBL.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Czerwone srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa SBL.svg
S2 proceed (>2 blocks free)
S3 proceed (2 blocks free)
S5 stop at next signal (1 block free)
S1 stop, train ahead
other:
Wygaszony gora.svg
Czerwone srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Czerwone dol migajace.svg
Podstawa SBL.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa SBL.svg
S1a is a special-case aspect, which forbids passing a signal displaying it, just like S1 on semi-automatic signals. It is used for safety reasons, for example, to forbid entering a tunnel during fire alarm. Other aspects are displayed normally, as in 3- or 4- state ABS.

(Unlit – no aspect displayed) — on a track with bidirectional ABS, only the signals for currently set direction of travel will be illuminated; signals for "the opposite direction" will not be lit. A driver who finds himself approaching an unlit signal must stop the train and alert the dispatcher.

Distant-only signals

Distant-only signal sign W 1 Wskaznik usytuowania.svg
Distant-only signal sign

Distant-only signal (Pol. tarcza ostrzegawcza literally meaning warning shield) is used on lines not equipped with ABS and lines with 2-state ABS. These signals are usually placed at braking distance from the next signal. The aspects they display are the same as signal aspects S2-S5, making them technically a signal which is just incapable of displaying a S1 (stop) aspect, however its aspects are not enforced.

Their posts are painted grey and equipped with a distant-only signal sign.

These signals are numbered with 'To' preceding the name of the signal it precedes, i.e. ToB will be the distant signal to B.

Distant-only signals:
Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa to.svg
Os1there will be stop at the (next) signal

precedes S1, Sz

Zielony gora ciagly.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa to.svg
Os2there will be proceed with Vmax at the (next) signal

precedes a signal with no speed restriction on its near signal: S2, S3, S4, S5

Zielony gora migajacy.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa to.svg
Os3there will be speed reduction to 100 km/h at the signal

precedes a signal with a speed restriction of 100 km/h on its near signal: S6, S7, S8, S9

Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe dol migajace.svg
Podstawa to.svg
Os4there will be speed reduction to 40 or 60 km/h at the signal

precedes a signal with speed restriction of either 40 or 60 km/h on its near signal: S10a, S11a, S12a, S13a (60 km/h); S10, S11, S12, S13 (40 km/h)

Repeater signals

When a signal aspect is not visible from the proper distance (because of track curves for instance), a repeater signal is installed to aid drivers. Up to three repeaters may be installed if needed. A repeater signal is not a substitute for a distant-only signal.

Their posts are painted grey and equipped with plates with Roman numerals: III, II, I where the "I" stands closest to the main signal. Their colour language is identical to warning shields, except the fact they also have a continuously glowing white light, which informs that this is not a main signal but a repeater.

These signals are numbered with the Roman numeral, 'Sp', and the number of the signal it repeats. For example, the second repeater ahead of a signal G will be called IISpG.

Repeater signal:
Pomaranczowe gora ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Biale dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa powtarzacz.svg
Sp1 there will be S1 (stop) at the signal
Wygaszony gora.svg
Zielony srodek ciagly.svg
Biale dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa powtarzacz.svg
Sp2 there will be proceed with Vmax at the signal
Wygaszony gora.svg
Zielony srodek migajacy.svg
Biale dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa powtarzacz.svg
Sp3 there will be speed reduction to 100 km/h at the signal
Pomaranczowe gora migajace.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Biale dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa powtarzacz.svg
Sp4 there will be speed reduction to 40 or 60 km/h at the signal

The following table presents as an example, a station-entry signal designated "B" displaying the aspect S13 (speed limit 40 km/h, stop at the next signal) preceded with distant-only signal and three repeaters:

distant-only signal3rd repeater2nd repeater1st repeaterthe main signal
Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe dol migajace.svg
Pomaranczowe gora migajace.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Biale dol ciagle.svg
Pomaranczowe gora migajace.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Biale dol ciagle.svg
Pomaranczowe gora migajace.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Biale dol ciagle.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
ToB3SpB2SpB1SpBB
braking distance
visibility distance

Level crossing warning

Level crossing warning is placed in a braking distance before an automatic level crossing. The signal tells the driver whether automobile drivers are warned about an approaching train (blinking red lights, barriers). Normally, level crossing warning signals display no aspect (i.e. are unlit). They light up in the front of an approaching train which is the first clue that the system is working correctly.

Level crossing warning signals are unrelated to other signals, therefore in case of Osp1 signal a train must proceed at 20 km/h regardless the higher speed allowed by last signal.

Their posts are painted black and white strips. They are numbered by the kilometre location of the level crossing they refer to, multiplied by 10 – other than the milepost reference difference, their numbering functions like that of automatic block signals.

Level crossing warning signals
PKP-Osp1-small.svg Osp1 Automatic level crossing is not working properly. The front of the train must pass the crossing with its speed limited to 20 km/h and be prepared for an immediate stop.
PKP-Osp2-small.svg Osp2 Automatic level crossing operating properly. Proceed at normal speed.

Shunting signals

Shunting signals (Pol. tarcza manewrowa literally manoeuver shield) are used exclusively at stations. A consist shunting on such signals must not leave the station. Shunting signals are either stand-alone or incorporated into semi-automatic signals, which include the letter "m" in their name on such occasions.

Stand-alone shunting signals have their posts painted gray, except in the case it is a part of the semi-automatic signal, which is painted with white-red stripes. Stand-alone shunting signals are numbered with 'Tm' preceding an Arabic number, and are numbered independently of other signalling or points within a station, e.g. Tm7.

Shunting signals:
Niebieskie gora ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa tm.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Czerwone srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Ms1 shunting forbidden
S1 stop and shunting forbidden
Wygaszony gora.svg
Biale dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa tm.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Biale dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Ms2 shunting allowed

Old colour light signals

The colour light signals installed between 1959 and 1969 differ from the contemporary system. They are still in use at several stations. As a matter of fact they can also be used with ETCS Level 1, only the LEU unit must be reprogrammed to understand certain combinations of lights differently.

Semi-automatic signal configuration:
oldnewThe old system did not use blinking lights, except the subsidiary signal, but that one was not popular at that times.

The pictures to the left present old and contemporary configuration with indication which colour chambers may blink if required.

There is a principle, observed then and now that two chambers of the same colour must be separated by a chamber of other colour.

Pomaranczowe gora ciagle.svg
Czerwone srodek ciagle.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Zielony srodek ciagly.svg
Biale srodek migajace.svg
Zielony dol ciagly.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Zielony gora migajacy.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek migajace.svg
Czerwone srodek ciagle.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Biale dol migajace.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Old and contemporary aspects of semi-automatic signal
olddescriptioncontemporary
Wygaszony gora.svg
Czerwone srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
S1 stop

the same expression (2 chambers higher)

S1
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Czerwone srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Zielony srodek ciagly.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
S4 proceed at Vmax

the same expression (2 chambers lower)

S2
Zielony gora ciagly.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
no equivalent for contemporary S3
Pomaranczowe gora ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Zielony srodek ciagly.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
S6 reduce speed to 40 km/h

different expression

S4
Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek migajace.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
S2 stop at next signal

the same expression (the same chamber)

S5
Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
no equivalent for contemporary S6-S9, S10a-S13a, S11
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Zielony srodek ciagly.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Zielony dol ciagly.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
S5 proceed at 40 km/h

different expression

S10
Zielony gora ciagly.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
S12
Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek migajace.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Pomaranczowe gora ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
S3 proceed at 40 km/h, stop at next signal

the same expression (both lights are 2 chambers higher)

S13
Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa semafor.svg
Old distant signals and repeaters
distant signalrepeaterWith distant signals there is a principle that the chambers illuminating together, although of different colours, cannot be adjacent to each other. This explains why there are two chambers of orange colour next to each other.

With repeaters this principle is apparently not observed.

Pomaranczowe gora ciagle.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Zielony dol ciagly.svg
Podstawa to.svg
Pomaranczowe gora ciagle.svg
Biale srodek ciagle.svg
Zielony dol ciagly.svg
Podstawa powtarzacz.svg
Old and contemporary aspects of distant signals and repeaters
olddescriptioncontemporary
Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa to.svg
Pomaranczowe gora ciagle.svg
Biale srodek ciagle.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa powtarzacz.svg
Ot1/Sp1 there will be stop at the signal

the same expression (the white light is placed on the lowest head to improve visibility)

Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa to.svg
Pomaranczowe gora ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Biale dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa powtarzacz.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Zielony dol ciagly.svg
Podstawa to.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Biale srodek ciagle.svg
Zielony dol ciagly.svg
Podstawa powtarzacz.svg
Ot2/Sp2 there will be proceed at Vmax at the signal

the same expression (the expression is switched on the repeater signal)

Zielony gora ciagly.svg
Wygaszony dol.svg
Podstawa to.svg
Wygaszony gora.svg
Zielony srodek ciagly.svg
Biale dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa powtarzacz.svg
Pomaranczowe gora ciagle.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Zielony dol ciagly.svg
Podstawa to.svg
Pomaranczowe gora ciagle.svg
Biale srodek ciagle.svg
Zielony dol ciagly.svg
Podstawa powtarzacz.svg
Ot3/Sp3 reduce speed to 40 km/h, there will be proceed at 40 km/h at the signal

different expression

Wygaszony gora.svg
Pomaranczowe dol migajace.svg
Podstawa to.svg
Pomaranczowe gora migajace.svg
Wygaszony srodek.svg
Biale dol ciagle.svg
Podstawa powtarzacz.svg


Mechanical signals

Mechanical semaphore (day & night)
PKP Sr1.svg
Sr1 stop
PKP Sr2.svg
Sr2 clear
PKP Sr3.svg
Sr3 clear slowly
Mechanical distant signal
PKP-OD1.svg
Od1/Ot1 expect stop
PKP-OD2.svg
Od2/Ot2 expect clear
PKP-OT3.svg
Ot3 expect clear slowly
Mechanical shunting signal
Pkp-m1.svg
M1 shunting forbidden
Pkp-m2.svg
M2 shunting allowed

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Railway signal</span> Visual signal device for railway engineers

A railway signal is a visual display device that conveys instructions or provides warning of instructions regarding the driver's authority to proceed. The driver interprets the signal's indication and acts accordingly. Typically, a signal might inform the driver of the speed at which the train may safely proceed or it may instruct the driver to stop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Railway signalling</span> The principle of signals used to control railway traffic

Railway signalling (BE), or railroad signaling (AE), is a system used to control the movement of railway traffic. Trains move on fixed rails, making them uniquely susceptible to collision. This susceptibility is exacerbated by the enormous weight and inertia of a train, which makes it difficult to quickly stop when encountering an obstacle. In the UK, the Regulation of Railways Act 1889 introduced a series of requirements on matters such as the implementation of interlocked block signalling and other safety measures as a direct result of the Armagh rail disaster in that year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Automatic Warning System</span> Railway safety system

Automatic Warning System (AWS) is a railway safety system invented and predominantly used in the United Kingdom. It provides a train driver with an audible indication of whether the next signal they are approaching is clear or at caution. Depending on the upcoming signal state, the AWS will either produce a 'horn' sound, or a 'bell' sound. If the train driver fails to acknowledge a warning indication, an emergency brake application is initiated by the AWS. However if the driver correctly acknowledges the warning indication by pressing an acknowledgement button, then a visual 'sunflower' is displayed to the driver, as a reminder of the warning.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Train stop</span> Railway safety device

Part of a railway signalling system, a train stop, trip stop or tripcock is a train protection device that automatically stops a train if it attempts to pass a signal when the signal aspect and operating rules prohibit such movement, or if it attempts to pass at an excessive speed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Linienzugbeeinflussung</span> In-cab signalling and train protection system

Linienzugbeeinflussung is a cab signalling and train protection system used on selected German and Austrian railway lines as well as on the AVE and some commuter rail lines in Spain. The system was mandatory where trains were allowed to exceed speeds of 160 km/h (99 mph) in Germany and 220 km/h (140 mph) in Spain. It is also used on some slower railway and urban rapid transit lines to increase capacity. The German Linienzugbeeinflussung translates to continuous train control, literally: linear train influencing. It is also called linienförmige Zugbeeinflussung.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">UK railway signalling</span> Rail traffic control systems used in the United Kingdom

The railway signalling system used across the majority of the United Kingdom rail network uses lineside signals to control the movement and speed of trains.

Australian railway signalling varies between the States of Australia, because the individual States are responsible for the railway systems within their own borders, with, historically, no need to co-ordinate between states except at the boundaries.

Railway signals in Germany are regulated by the Eisenbahn-Signalordnung. There are several signalling systems in use, including the traditional H/V (Hauptsignal/Vorsignal) system.

The signalling system used on the standard-gauge railway network in Sweden is based on that of the traditional mechanical semaphore signals. Currently only colour-light signals are used, together with the Ansaldo L10000 Automatic Train Control system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Continuous Automatic Warning System</span> Warning system for train drivers used in Ireland

The Continuous Automatic Warning System (CAWS) is a form of cab signalling and train protection system used in Ireland to help train drivers observe and obey lineside signals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">North American railroad signals</span>

North American railroad signals generally fall into the category of multi-headed electrically lit units displaying speed-based or weak route signaling. Signals may be of the searchlight, color light, position light, or color position light types, each displaying a variety of aspects which inform the locomotive operator of track conditions so that they may keep their train under control and able to stop short of any obstruction or dangerous condition.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Railway semaphore signal</span> Form of fixed railway signal

Railway semaphore signal is one of the earliest forms of fixed railway signals. This semaphore system involves signals that display their different indications to train drivers by changing the angle of inclination of a pivoted 'arm'. Semaphore signals were patented in the early 1840s by Joseph James Stevens, and soon became the most widely used form of mechanical signal. Designs have altered over the intervening years, and colour light signals have replaced semaphore signals in most countries, but in a few they remain in use.

The current French railway signalling system is in force on the Réseau Ferré de France since 1930, when the code Verlant was applied.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Japanese railway signals</span>

Japanese railway signals, according to the ministerial decree defining technical standards of railways, are defined as indicating operational conditions for railway staff driving trains.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Finnish railway signalling</span>

The signalling system used on the railway network in Finland comprises color-light signals and fixed signs, used together with the Automatic Train Control system ATP-VR/RHK.

Swiss railway signalling describes the railway signalling systems used in Switzerland by the different railway companies. There are two main types of signal, used up to 160 km/h, above which speed cab signalling is required.

The first railway signalling in Greece was installed on the Athens–Piraeus Railway at the turn of the 20th century, when semaphores and boards were added with the line's electrification. Other Greek trains at that time were controlled by signals given manually by station masters. During World War II, German occupation forces installed mechanically operated semaphore signals at the entrance to all stations, with some light signals at busy stations. Modern signalling is provided through colour light signals. Radio communication between train stations and drivers was introduced in 1973 and digital communication is an ongoing present-day introduction.

Belgian railway signalling is the signalling in effect on the Belgian rail network currently operated by Infrabel.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Application of railway signals</span> Overview of train traffic management

The application of railway signals on a rail layout is determined by various factors, principally the location of points of potential conflict, as well as the speed and frequency of trains and the movements they require to make.

Modern railway signalling in Thailand on the mainline employs color light signals and computer-based interlocking. The State Railway of Thailand is currently implementing centralized traffic control to link the whole country’s signalling system together using a fiber optic network. This includes recent double-tracking projects for all mainlines extending from Bangkok.