The Rail Safety and Standards Board’s (RSSB’s) Industry Leadership Group have decided to phase out outdated technology, introducing safer and more efficient alternatives.
Following Network Rail’s request during re-signalling works, the RSSB’s Industry Leadership Group have agreed to stop the provision of signal post telephones. This decision is based on the evidence that signal post telephones are costly, infrequently used, and provide little safety benefits.
The RSSB’s analysis showed that, compared to alternative methods, signal post telephones have a limited safety profile as a secondary communication provision. Alternative and more positive solutions include the supply of portable devices to train drivers, or the use of a second SIM card that allows on-board GSM-R radios to connect to a different available network.
This phase out decision will result in serious cost savings created from no longer needing to install and maintain fixed lineside telephones. Network Rail currently maintains approximately 32,000 telephones across the country, with an estimated cost of £22.5 million a year. This is on top of the further expenses that come with the major re-signalling schemes that require design, cabling and associated infrastructure.
RSSB’s approval of this change aims to support more proportionate investment, with the reduction of unnecessary infrastructure and maintenance costs. The shift will also improve staff safety by reducing the need for trackside access.