Trackside signals are to be phased out on the UK’s railways with trains controlled wirelessly from 12 regional control centres, Network Rail revealed last week.

The operator has begun trials in Hertfordshire of a European Train Control System which removes the need for ‘traffic light’ signals and speed signs alongside the track. In future drivers will be informed of the maximum permitted speed and whether they can proceed using information inside their cab.

A pilot study three years ago on the Cambrian line in mid Wales proved that the technology can increase the number of trains that can run along a stretch of track. Signals are set to be removed on the East Coast Mainline between London King’s Cross and Doncaster within six years and on the Great Western Railway from Paddington to Bristol within nine years.

Network Rail’s head of operating strategy Simon Whitehorn said: “Rail travel is more popular than ever and by the end of 2019 there will be 225M more passenger journeys each year. We have to look at new and innovative technology to allow more trains to use the railways.”

Fixed signals are said to limit the capacity of the railways with trains being forced to wait or proceed slowly when they could make speedier progress.

Use of the European Train Control System will also allow trains to be operated independently of their driver in central London, where up to 24 trains an hour will be running between St Pancras and Blackfrairs when the Thameslink upgrade completes.

(Photo: Network Rail)

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