Rule 55 exempt plates on colour lights

[SomeTrainboy]

Does anyone know why only some modern colour lights have rule 55 exempt plate under them.
For example, at Lincoln, the up signal on the down through has a plate on it, but none of the others do.

and at Wrawby Junction, the down signals have them but not the up? (Both these examples only gained colour lights in the 2000s+

 

[Trainguy34]

Just out of interest, what are Rule 55 plates?

 

[800301]

Because rules change and rule 55 hasn’t existed for some time

I’m guess it’s for the GSMR number to call

 

[SomeTrainboy]

Just out of interest, what are Rule 55 plates?

rule 55 is where you have to inform the signaller of your presence two minutes after stopping at a signal (in non track circuited places)
BUT, if there is track circuits (so the signaller can see your train on the diagram) a plate is placed to tell the driver you don't need to inform the signaller

 

[godfreycomplex]

It went out of the standards requirements for signalling design (in track circuited areas at least) when GSM-R became universal circa 2016. This was smack back in the middle of Wrawby resignalling which may explain the differences in signage. The Lincoln resignalling was a couple of years earlier, so retained the plates.

 

[Ashley Hill]

Here’s a link to the Wiki entry for Rule 55. It also quotes its modern equivalent.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_55

I hope it answers your questions.

 

[SomeTrainboy]

It went out of the standards requirements for signalling design (in track circuited areas at least) when GSM-R became universal circa 2016. This was smack back in the middle of Wrawby resignalling which may explain the differences in signage. The Lincoln resignalling was a couple of years earlier, so retained the plates.

weird how at Lincoln only THAT signal has the plate

 

[Supercoss]

Signals without a signal post telephone have the white diamond

white or yellow diamond with a black “X” = signal post telephone not in a position of safety can only be used in emergency or if assurance adjacent line blocked

 

[Lucy1501]

Does anyone know why only some modern colour lights have rule 55 exempt plate under them.

White diamond signs now just mean that the presence of the train is indicated in the signal box (i.e. axle counters or track circuits) AND no signalpost telephone is provided.

There is a “modern version” of rule 55 that mandates drivers contact the signaller when detained at a signal (however can wait for up to two minutes if there’s an obvious reason why). The driver should then remind the signaller of their presence every 5 minutes unless instructed otherwise.

 

[j37401]

Sorry to be OT. But the second pic at Barnetby is a disgrace and typifies the lack of veg control that goes on. Letting it grow in between the 6 foot like that is poor.

 

[Annetts key]

Signals without a signal post telephone have the white diamond

white or yellow diamond with a black “X” = signal post telephone not in a position of safety can only be used in emergency or if assurance adjacent line blocked

The white diamond signs were re-introduced on TCB lines along with changes to SPT signage as a response to a driver being hit by a train on an adjacent line. If the SPT is not considered to be in a place of safety, drivers do not have to contact the signaller by using that SPT. Instead they should stay in the cab and use a radiophone (NRN) mobile phone or these days, GSM-R.

The signage may change again as now GSM-R is the preferred communication method (previously using a SPT was the preferred communication method). But the SPTs themselves will retain the limited clearance signs as staff will still need to be reminded.