Flags on level crossings

[Mojo]

Hi all,

I've just returned from a trip to the South Coast. Part of the line was closed this weekend for engineering works. At one of the CCTV level crossings were red flags "flying" (a slight overstatement) from little sticks in the middle of the track. There was one flag on each side of the crossing on the side trains would normally run.

At the ends of the block they had the usual STOP signs clipped to the track. Do these flags serve as a warning to the drivers of any engineers trains that the level crossing might be up, or are they just an alternative to stop signs?

 

[Metroland]

Just a general part of the possession arrangement. Level crossings have stop board or flags (same thing) to remind drivers to stop - although they should know where they are in any case. Often level crossings are worked under local control arrangement under engineering work, and may not be working.

http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Rail-41594/T11is2.pdf

http://www.rgsonline.co.uk/docushare/dsweb/Get/Rail-41595/T3is2.pdf

 

[TheSlash]

Generally the stop board, combined with detonator protection, marks the limits of an engineers possession.
At a level crossing, a red flag by day, or red light flag at night or periods of poor visibility.
It tells drivers to stop and not proceed without permission of the level crossing attendant, as the level crossing may not be functioning correctly due to the out of course movements made by engineers trains/vehicles.

 

[P156KWJ]

I know that they are still used a lot. I know they used them once up at Carnforth when certain sidings were unavailable etc.

 

[TheSlash]

I know that they are still used a lot. I know they used them once up at Carnforth when certain sidings were unavailable etc.

Yeah, a red banner can also be used instead of a Possession Limit Board {PLB}.

 

[Mojo]

Thanks for the replies!