scope:

Introduction

Some railways include in their signalling arrangements the provision of train stops. These are fixed to the track and contain an arm (known as the stop arm) that can be raised and lowered as required. When the arm is raised it is in a position where it will strike a trip arm hanging down from the train. The movement of the trip arm triggers a brake application. When the stop arm is lowered it is clear of the train trip arm.

The train stop is usually positioned just ahead of a stop signal and is controlled so that the stop arm lowers when the signal shows a proceed aspect.

Train stops are rarely used on Network Rail infrastructure, but they are encountered at interfaces with other railways.