If you're not quite ready to take our speeds quiz then use this page to revise your knowlege of maximum speeds in various degraded working and faults & failures scenarios.
All references to rule book modules and sections correct as at Issue 17, March 2026.
At caution, 15 mph over points
Module S5 (4.1 and 4.2)
50mph, 15 mph over points
Module S5 (4.1, 4.2 and 6.4)
At caution, 15 mph over points
Module TW7 (4.1 and 4.3)
50mph, 50 mph over points (unless instructed otherwise)
15mph over points if told you're the first train through (approach points at caution, and check they are in the correct position)
Module S5 (4.1, 4.2 and 5.6)
Linespeed
Module P1 (9.3)
50mph
Secured and padlocked power-operated points: 50mph, except for first train (15mph)
Unworked, mechanically operated or unsecured points: 15mph
Module P1 (6.2c and 9.4)
Linespeed, 15mph over points
Module P2 (3.6) and S5 (4.1)
Linespeed
Module M3 (4.2)
5mph
Module M3 (4.2)
Follow instructions from control
Module M3 (4.2)
5mph
Module SS2 (5.1)
No more than the speed the signaller tells you.
Module SP (4.2)
20mph
Module TW1 (26.4)
5mph
Module TW5 (5.4)
At caution
During darkness, poor visibility, or if the affected portion of line is within a tunnel, while examining the line you must be accompanied by the guard or other competent person (if one is immediately available).
Module TW1 (12.1)
20mph
During darkness, poor visibility, or if the affected portion of line is within a tunnel, while examining the line you must be accompanied by the guard or other competent person (if one is immediately available).
Module TW1 (12.1)
10mph
During darkness, poor visibility, or if the affected portion of line is within a tunnel, while examining the line you must be accompanied by the guard or other competent person (if one is immediately available).
Module TW1 (12.1)
5mph
Stop train before passing under the bridge and check for any obvious damage.
Module TW1 (5.2)
No greater speed than the signaller tells you.
Module TW1 (5.2)
Speeds during snow are no longer specified in TW1 (35). The instructions below are from SWR's Professional Driving Policy. Other company instructions will vary.
10mph below linespeed
No need to reduce speed below 50mph
Module TW1 (35) and SWR Professional Driving Policy
10mph below linespeed
No need to reduce speed below 35mph
Module TW1 (4.4)
5mph
Module TW5 (5.4)
60mph
Module TW5 (4.5 - AWS and 25.5 - TPWS)
Linespeed
Module TW5 (4.5 - AWS and 25.5 - TPWS)
40mph
Module TW5 (4.5)
60mph
Module TW5 (9.4)
Linespeed
Module TW5 (9.4)
SWR instruction is 60mph (40mph if poor visibility)
(DDD booklet January 2024)
However, the rule book (TW5 9.4) states:
"If the DSD becomes defective at the same time as an AWS, TPWS or ERTMS failure, you must apply the conditions for that failure."
The conditions for the failure of both AWS and TPWS with a competent person provided are linespeed (See TW5 sections 4.5 AWS and 25.5 TPWS).
Do not move the train
Module TW5 (9.4)
75mph
Module TW5 (15.2 and 15.3)
20mph
Module TW5 (15.3)
At caution, no more than 20mph
Module TW5 (28.3)
Linespeed
Module TW5 (27.2c)
20mph
Module TW5 (27.2c)
Do not move until examined by technician
Module M3 (2.2)
Examine train and report to control
Module M3 (2.2)