Traditional railway signalling has long been based on the principle
of no more than one train, on any one section of track, at any one
time.

New technology allows cab-based equipment to replace lineside
signals. This gives improved operational performance and better
system capacity by redefi ning the concept of the track section.
Using continuous position reporting by the train, the section
becomes a safe ‘envelope’, within which each train operates.
The ‘envelope’ increases or contracts according to the speed of
the train, its braking distance and other characteristics. This gives
much more flexibility and the closer spacing of trains, without
compromising safety principles.

The contents:
■ An introduction to the European Train Control System (ETCS).
■ A description of how ETCS works and the levels at which it may
be employed.
■ An exploration of the sub-systems, processes and interfaces.
■ The requirements for system testing, commissioning and
certifi cation.
■ Engineering – the technical, organisational and operational
requirements.
■ The needs for maintenance, fault-fi nding and safety monitoring.

System interoperability is a key European Union requirement, and
a common approach to signalling in the diff erent countries is a
major contributor.

This book was written by experts involved in ECTS development
under the leadership of the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers,
supported by Eurailpress. It is the latest in a series describing
railway signalling and telecommunications systems in use
throughout the world.