Signal Aspects & Meanings

Question 1

What do automatic running lights indicate?

Answer 1

• The speed at which rail vehicles may proceed.
• Gives advance information on the next signal ahead.

Question 2

Define Low speed?

Answer 2

• Proceed cautiously at low speed, being able to stop clear of any obstruction.
• Points are correctly set.
• Track may be occupied.
• Not to exceed 25 km/h

Low Speed

Question 3

Define Medium speed?

Answer 3

• Must not exceed 25 km/h unless a speed board authorising a higher speed is exhibited, or ETCS indicates a higher speed.
• Medium speed must be maintained until the rail vehicle is clear of all points to which the signal applies.

Medium Speed

Question 4

Define Restricted speed?

Answer 4

• Proceed cautiously at restricted speed, being able to stop short of an obstruction within half the distance of clear line that is visible ahead.
• Not to exceed 40 km/h

Restricted Speed

Question 5

Define Normal speed?

Answer 5

• The rail vehicle must not exceed the maximum speed for the vehicle type and locality.

Clear Normal Speed

Question 6

What is the classification and action required (see picture below)?

Answer 6

CLASSIFICATION
Absolute
ACTION REQUIRED
- Stop!
- Do not pass unless authorised by the prescribed verbal or written instruction.

Versions of All Red Stop

Question 7

What is the classification and action required (see picture below)?

Answer 7

CLASSIFICATION
Permissive
ACTION REQUIRED
- Stop!
- Wait 10 seconds, then proceed cautiously at restricted speed and prepare to stop clear of any obstruction.
- Points may be wrongly set.
- Rail may be broken or displaced.
- Level crossing alarms may not be working.

Versions of All Red Stop Permissive Signal

Question 8

Signal call & Action for All Red Signal with A-light illuminated?

Answer 8

SIGNAL CALL
“All Red Stop”
MEANING
- Stop!
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Proceed cautiously at restricted speed and prepare to stop clear of any obstruction.
- Track may be occupied or obstructed.
- Rail may be broken or displaced.
- Level crossing alarms may not be working.
- Signal classification changed from absolute to permissive.

Versions of All Red Stop Permissive Signal with A-light Illuminated

Question 9

“R” lights (as shown on S&I Diagrams), are used in what situations?

Answer 9

• Axle counter failure.
• Rescue disabled vehicle.
• Stacking rail vehicles.
• When a unit aspect of a signal has failed, or is imperfectly displayed.

R-Light

Question 10

Signal call & Action for All Red Stop displaying an illuminated Low Speed Light?

Answer 10

SIGNAL CALL
“Low Speed”
MEANING
- Proceed cautiously at low speed, being able to stop clear of any obstruction.
- Points are correctly set.
- Track may be occupied.
- Not to exceed 25 km/h

Illuminated Low Speed on an All Red Stop

Question 11

Signal call & Action for Advance Caution Prepare to Stop

Answer 11

SIGNAL CALL
“Advance Caution to Stop”
MEANING
- Proceed cautiously.
- Prepare to stop at the second signal ahead.

Advance Caution to Stop (flashing yellow) variations on Absolute and Permissive

Question 12

Signal call & Action for Caution Prepare to Stop

Answer 12

SIGNAL CALL
“Caution to Stop”
MEANING
- Proceed cautiously.
- Be prepared to stop at the next signal.

Caution Prepare to Stop (steady yellow) variations on Absolute and Permissive

Question 13

Signal call & Action for Caution Medium Speed Prepare to Stop

Answer 13

SIGNAL CALL
“Medium to Stop”
MEANING
- Proceed cautiously at medium speed.
- Be prepared to stop at the next signal.

Caution Medium Speed Prepare to Stop

Question 14

Signal call & Action for Clear Medium Speed

Answer 14

SIGNAL CALL
“Medium Clear”
MEANING
- Proceed at medium speed.

Clear, Medium Speed

Question 15

Signal call & Action for Caution Reduce to Medium Speed

Answer 15

SIGNAL CALL
“Caution Reduce to Medium”
MEANING
- Proceed cautiously, being prepared to pass the next signal at medium speed.

Caution reduce to medium speed (steady yellow) on absolute or permissive signal.

Question 16

Signal call & Action for Advance Caution Normal Speed to Medium Speed

Answer 16

SIGNAL CALL
“Advance Caution to Medium”
MEANING
- Proceed cautiously, being prepared to pass the second signal ahead at medium speed.

Advance caution reduce to medium speed (flashing yellow) on absolute or permissive signal.

Question 17

Signal call & Action for Clear Normal Speed

Answer 17

SIGNAL CALL
“Normal Clear”
MEANING
- Train must not exceed the maximum speed laid down for the class of rail vehicle and locality.

Clear Normal Speed on Absolute or Permissive

Question 18

Signal call & Action for 2 or 3-Position Colour Light Shunting Signal at Red?

Answer 18

SIGNAL CALL
“All Red Stop”
MEANING
- Stop.
- Do not pass unless authorised by the prescribed verbal or written instruction.

Two and three position colour light shunting signal at red.

Question 19

Signal call & Action for 2 or 3-Position Colour Light Shunting Signal at Yellow?

Answer 19

SIGNAL CALL
“Yellow on Shunt”
MEANING
- Proceed cautiously at low speed.
- Points are correctly set.
- Prepare to find the track occupied or obstructed.
- Rail may be broken or displaced (three positions only).

Two and three position colour light shunting signal at Yellow.

Question 21

Signal call & Action for 3-Position Colour Light Shunting Signal at Green?

Three position only - not available in two position.

Answer 21

SIGNAL CALL
“Green on Shunt”
MEANING
- Proceed at low speed.
- Points are correctly set.
- Track is clear but suitable for low speed only.
- Next signal in advance is at caution or clear.

Three position colour light shunting signal at Green.