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Train Horns - Rail industry implemented changes.
The Steering Group recommendations (published in December 2006) which included
a significant change to the Rules on the sounding times for train horns, were
progressively implemented during 2007, including changes to the rules for sounding
horns and a change to the standard applying to all new trains, or new horns
for trains that travel at up to 160kph.
There are three changes to the standards:
- The introduction of a night time quiet period, between
2300 and 0700 when trains will no longer routinely sound their horns at whistle
boards (they will always sound their horns when people are seen on the track)
- That where the technology is available, drivers should
only use the low tone from the two tone horn at ‘whistle boards’
- For all new or replacement train horns on trains capable
of travelling up to 160kph a much lower minimum sound pressure level has been
established – and a maximum sound level has been introduced (min 101dB
and max 106dB)
The Group and industry colleagues have monitored the effects of implementing
the changes, including the number of enquiries about train horn noise. The
overall effect had been as expected, that is, the bulk of the noise problem
for lineside residents has been resolved but there remain some areas where
complaints about train horn noise persist.
RSSB continues to progress relevant research and development on behalf
of the industry in this area including further work on the risk from removing
whistle boards on approaches to level crossings with good sighting in one
direction, development of improved guidance on pedestrian use of crossings
and into the potential for a broadband based horn. The first two pieces
of research develop work already published in T668: ‘Research into the safety benefits provided
by train horns at level crossings’.
For a more detailed update, view the latest communication from the Train
Horns Steering Group (February 2008).
The cross industry Steering Group consists of representatives from: RSSB, Network Rail, Passenger Train Operators,
Association of Train Operating Companies (ATOC), Freight Train Operators,
ORR, and is supported by RSSB’s technical and risk expertise.
All recommendations and communications have been published on this website.
Aside from the Steering Group, RSSB also facilitates the cross industry standards
committees that make decisions about standards changes. All of the recommendations
from the steering group and all of the standards changes have been agreed unanimously.
Related documents are listed in the table below.
Related documents are listed in the table below.
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