Train Protection Strategy
The Train Protection Strategy is the industry-backed framework for the enhancement of train protection on Great Britain’s mainline network. It aims to mitigate risks from derailments and collisions to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).
Currently, Great Britain (GB) uses a range of train protection systems. The target system for the GB mainline railway remains the European Train Control System (ETCS). There will be a transition from the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) to ETCS, managed by a 30-plus year plan. This migration plan for ETCS balances safety enhancement with financial viability.
There is a need to understand and manage the risk of overspeeding and SPADs in the period before widespread ETCS fitment. Assessing what measures are reasonably practicable is crucial to this.
Train Protection Strategy
Objectives of the TPS
The TPS focuses on seven strategic objectives. Each of these have dedicated deliverables, which provide a roadmap of workstreams necessary to achieve the objectives and collective vision. The TPS has more details about these specific deliverables.
Development journey
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Development of the TPS
RSSB engaged with industry throughout the drafting of the updated TPS. This allowed the various ongoing workstreams across the industry to be taken account of. It also ensured that the TPS paints an accurate picture of the current landscape regarding train protection in GB.
Over 15 cross-industry groups were involved during the development of the TPS. They represented a wide range of organisations. The RSSB Board reviewed and formally approved the strategy in October 2025.
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History of the TPS
The TPS was revised in 2018 and has not changed since then.
However, in the light of several significant overspeed incidents in recent years, and the increasing work to deploy ETCS, it became necessary to review and adapt the TPS were needed. RSSB has worked with industry to refresh the content of the TPS.
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Implementation and monitoring of the TPS
The seven objectives of the TPS each have key deliverables with measurable outputs. These deliverables require industry to proactively collaborate and action them.
The Train Protection Strategy Group (TPSG) will help the industry monitor progress on delivery of the strategy’s workstreams. TPSG will also provide cross-industry collaboration and oversight. This will ensure co-ordination between workstreams and, ultimately, their successful delivery.
When delivered, the workstreams will enhance the safety, efficiency, and long-term sustainability of the railway.
