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SPAD risk set to fall with RSSB’s RAATS upgrade

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The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) is enhancing its Red Aspect Approaches to Signals (RAATS) tool to help the rail industry reduce the risk of SPADs.

RAATS, launched in 2019, uses signal status and train movement data from Network Rail to gain insights into how often and where trains approach red signals on the network. 

A SPAD occurs when a train passes a stop signal without authorisation. SPADs are one of the main precursors to train accidents. Efforts in the late 1990s to mitigate SPAD risk led to the introduction of the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS). Where fitted, it applies a train’s emergency brake if a red signal is passed. In some locations, the TPWS may also intervene if a red signal is approached at too high a speed.  

TPWS has significantly reduced the safety risk arising from SPADs. But such events can still cause delay, cost, and serious incidents such as train collisions and derailments.

RSSB’s upgraded RAATS toolkit will have improved functionality, linking its outputs with industry performance data and increasing its geographical coverage. As a result, up to 70% of the network can be analysed. 

These improvements will allow users to view and investigate red signal approaches for specific train journeys and understand them in the context of relevant performance. Train operators and Network Rail can use this evidence on new timetables, changing them to reduce the likelihood of drivers approaching red signals.

Chris Knowles, RSSB’s Director of System Safety and Health, said: ‘Trains passing red signals without authorisation can lead to serious incidents, such as collisions or derailments, and delay to passengers and freight. Our enhanced RAATs tool will help Network Rail and train operators analyse specific train service and performance data and modify timetables to reduce the number of trains being scheduled to approach red signals. The tool will make a significant contribution to reducing SPAD risk, leading to improved safety and higher railway performance.’

RSSB’s new RAATS toolkit is expected to be launched to the rail industry in Spring 2025.