Assisting a failed train

If your train is stopped by failure, you must immediately tell the signaller about the circumstances and whether you need an assisting train.

If you cannot speak to the signaller by using the GSM-R radio, you must use the quickest available means of doing so.

• the exact location of the failed train

• that the failed train will not be moved

• the type of assisting train needed, and

• the direction from which it is needed.

After you have asked for assistance, you must not move your train until:

• the assisting train arrives, or

• you have agreed alternative arrangements with the signaller and anyone else concerned.

You must make sure that:

• if assistance will be coming from the rear, a red light is displayed at the rear of your failed train

• if assistance will be coming from the front, a white light is displayed at the front of your failed train.

When the signaller tells you that the assisting train is ready to enter the section, you must ask the signaller to put you into contact with the driver of the assisting train by GSM-R radio.

You do not need to do this if the failed train will be clearly visible from the location where the assisting train is standing.

You must speak to the driver of the assisting train using GSM-R radio, to get or give any necessary information. You must make sure that you tell the driver the exact location of the failed train.

If you cannot speak to the driver of the assisting train by means of GSM-R radio, you must:

• remain on the train

• give the signaller any necessary information to tell the driver of the assisting train, including the exact location of the failed train

• wait for the assisting train to arrive.

During poor visibility, if you cannot speak to the driver of the assisting train by means of GSM-R radio, you must go to one of the following:

• 300 metres from your train in the direction from which the assisting train will approach.

• A stop signal that is less than 300 metres from your train, providing the signaller has confirmed that the signal is protecting your train.

• A tunnel entrance that is less than 300 metres from your train.

• If your train has failed within a tunnel and the distance of 300 metres then falls inside the tunnel, you must continue through the tunnel to the far end.

You must:

•  stay at this point and wait for the assisting train to arrive

• display a hand danger signal to the driver of the assisting train when it approaches.

During poor visibility, if the signaller has not been able to put you in contact with the driver of the assisting train, you must get in the driving cab of the assisting train and confirm to the driver the exact location of the failed train.

During the movement towards the failed train, you must proceed at caution and travel at a speed not exceeding 25 mph.

If you are in GSM-R contact with the driver of the failed train, you must always use GSM-R radio to speak to that driver to get or give any necessary information before the movement.

You must speak to the driver of the failed train if it is necessary to get or give any necessary information during the movement, but it is not necessary for you to speak continuously during the movement.

If the signaller has not been able to put you in contact with the driver of the failed train, you must follow any instructions regarding the movement from the signaller. The signaller will tell you any information that has been given by the driver of the failed train, including its exact location.

You must keep a look out for, and stop to pick up, the driver of the failed train.

You must only enter a tunnel if:

• you have already picked up the driver of the failed train, or

• you know that the driver of the failed train is not in the tunnel and that the tunnel is clear.

If you have not already picked up the driver of the failed train, or the driver is not waiting at the point you have been told, you must:

• stay at that location

• wait for the driver of the failed train to arrive.

After you have picked up the driver, and that driver has confirmed the exact location of the failed train, you must proceed at caution towards the train.

If you are the driver of the assisting train, you must make sure that:

• your train is coupled correctly to the failed train

• the automatic brake, if compatible, is connected.

If you are the driver of the train that is assisting at the rear of the failed train, you must:

• temporarily isolate the TPWS before the movement starts

• reinstate the TPWS when the movement is finished.

• As of June 2026 there is no longer any requirement to place emergency protection if a train has failed, including during extended block working.