scope:

This business process covers all permissive platform signalled moves including:

a) contingency arrangements;

b) attaching and detaching to / from passenger trains (including where one portion is Empty Coaching Stock (ECS));

c) platform sharing;

d) terminal stations;

e) Permissive Platform (PP);

f) Permissive Platform Contingency purposes (PP-C);

g) Permissive Platform Attaching / Detaching movements (PP-A).

During significant service disruption permissive platform working would allow:

a) increased line capacity, e.g. by attaching two trains together;

b) passengers to make alternative travel arrangements;

c) passengers to use the station's facilities;

d) clearance of heavily delayed trains to be expedited;

e) reduce the risk of passengers self-evacuating.

This business process does not cover:

a) permissive non passenger train movements;

b) attaching / detaching to / from ECS trains (shunting with the authority of a ground position signal);

c) locomotives either changing ends or being changed;

d) assistance to failed trains.

Purpose

This business process defines the requirements for signalling two trains when the second is signalled onto a running line which is already occupied.

The business process:

a) controls the risk so far as reasonably practicable of train collisions when signalled in accordance with the permissive working arrangements; and

b) allows permissive working to be conducted in a safe manner and with an assessment of all the factors that might affect a driver's ability to perform this manoeuvre satisfactorily.