Comprehensive guidance on speed management systems

Pioneering research into the latest tram speed management systems has led to new guidance from the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board.

Published this week, the guidance builds on a series of studies commissioned by the organisation and aims to equip safety managers with the vital information they need when considering the most appropriate solution for their network.

The guidance provides a comprehensive assessment of the options currently available for light rail, and the key factors decision makers need to take into account when considering them.

Carl Williams, LRSSB Chief Executive, explained: “The guidance builds on a huge body of work over the last couple of years, including independent trials of new technology, that looked at two distinct ways of monitoring and managing vehicle speeds.

“The systems reviewed use either trackside-based technology to monitor location-specific speeds or continuous speed management utilising GPS or odometers.”

While both approaches have real potential to further improve safety, naturally, each has advantages and disadvantages in real-world operating conditions.

For example, the location-based systems will only protect speed restrictions where the trackside equipment is fitted while signals from GPS systems may be interrupted by tunnels or other features.

“By providing a comprehensive review of the research, and other factors that need to be taken into account, the guidance provides operators with all the information they need to make an informed decision on the system best suited to the individual requirements of their network,” Mr Williams added.

The guidance document, entitled LRG18.0 – Speed Management Systems, can be downloaded from the LRSSB website, here.