With today’s tech, we can improve safety alerts
Industry needs a multi-channel approach to issuing late notice cases to ensure greater consistency and safety, says RSSB’s Joe Wilson.
Late notices were first introduced in 1947 and are still in use today. It’s a traditional method involving paper copies of safety alerts, speed restrictions, and operational notices being pinned up in glass cases to inform train drivers. It still forms part of a driver’s sign-on process.
However, in 2025 should we focus more on technological alternatives and additional reminders like digital boards, mobile apps, driver-machine interface, ETCS, and GSM-R?
A RAIB report on overspeeding incidents between Laurencekirk and Portlethen in 2020 certainly indicates that late notices need to be improved. Drivers were not fully informed of that a 40-mph blanket speed restriction (BSR) had been implemented due to heavy rain forecasts.
History shows us that, in some cases, derailments can also occur. In 1975, this happened at Nuneaton when a passenger train came off on a temporary curved section of track put in during track remodelling. Six people were killed and 38 more were injured. This derailment occurred despite a weekly notice being issued at Crewe, which specifically confirmed the warning boards for the 20-mph restriction were being put in until further notice.
More recently, the cross-industry Overspeed Group decided to act. Research was done, and drivers, instructors and experts were asked for their opinions. The group also used a Railway Action Risk Assessment (RARA) to estimate error likelihood across three main late notice delivery methods: late notice cases, digital late notices, and late notice booklets.
The group found that late notice cases are often overcrowded and it is hard to get confirmation that drivers have read the notices they need. The group also found that operators who use mobile notifications through apps or emails can include an option for verification that a notice has been opened by the driver. Paper copies can also be taken into the cab and consulted.
The RARA indicated that mistakes are less likely if GSM-R reminders are used to convey messages. However, the traditional late notice case still has the highest error rate when compared to a late notice booklet, as the booklet gives drivers the option to continually consult and check information during their shift.
Overall, more work needs to be done to stop over-reliance the traditional late notice case method. A multi-channel approach incorporating all three methods would ensure greater consistency, as there is a greater chance that the driver is able to retain the information needed to observe all restrictions. We’ll keep you updated as more work is done.
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