PTS key rules

The limited clearance warning sign means there is no position of safety on that side of the railway for the length of the structure beyond the sign.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.6

There is no position of safety in an area of limited clearance; you must not enter or stand there when trains are running, so do not enter one if a train is coming.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §4.5

People are not allowed to work in most tunnels while trains are running.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.6

You must carry a hand lamp or head lamp when entering a tunnel, working in darkness, or when visibility is poor.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.6

The no refuges warning sign means there are no positions of safety or refuges on that side of the railway for the length of the structure, but there are positions of safety or refuges on the opposite side.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.6

You must not pass beyond a prohibition sign (area too dangerous for people while trains run) while trains are running unless carrying out emergency protection, and then with extreme care; otherwise only once trains have been stopped.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.6

Some railway phones in limited clearance areas may only be used in an emergency; signs on the phone cabinet or at the signal identify them.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.6

Where the speed limit depends on the type of train, always assume trains will approach at the higher speed.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.1

Mileposts are placed alongside the railway, usually every quarter of a mile, to help identify location.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.1

Distances given 'from the nearest line' are measured from the nearest running rail of that line.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.2

You are on or near the line (in danger from trains) if you are on a line, or within 3 metres (10 feet) of a line with no permanent fence or structure between you and the line.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.2

On a station platform you are not on or near the line unless you are carrying out engineering or technical work within 1.25 metres (4 feet) of the platform edge.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.2

Colour light signal aspects are red, double yellow, yellow and green.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.3

A colour light signal is at danger when it shows red; a red semaphore signal is at danger when its arm is horizontal.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.3

Trains normally stop at a danger signal, but in some situations they can be authorised to pass it at danger.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.3

Automatic and semi-automatic signals cannot always be put to danger by the signaller, and are identified by signs.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.3

An automatic signal may have a signal post replacement switch (SPRS) that puts it to danger.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.3

Distant signals (colour lights with no red light, or yellow semaphores) do not make trains stop.

RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.3