scope:

This standard is applicable to those involved with planning or implementing any engineering works where the LCV process is to be applied.

The areas where axle counters are the primary means of train detection shall be identified in the Sectional Appendix. Any possession encompassing any part of an axle counter area shall be required to apply the LCV process unless safety validation has determined that it is not required. Areas where the signalling system has Engineering Possession Reminder facility shall use the LCV process. The boundaries of authorised LCV areas of operation will also be published within the Sectional Appendix.

Where the LCV process is to be used, this shall be indicated in established published possession details.

The LCV process may additionally be employed in non-axle counter areas where a line clear procedure over and above that set out in the Rule Book (GE/RT8000) is deemed beneficial. Examples may include complex possessions or a series of Ref: NR/L3/OCS/084 Issue: 3 Date: 03 December 2011 Compliance date: 03 December 2011 Page 5 of 19 possessions involving multiple vehicles entering or leaving the possession. Any proposal to apply the LCV process on a non axle counter area shall require:

• provision of an operational readiness report confirming that the necessary resources and briefing / training is complete;

• provision of an implementation plan confirming any trial operation or staging and that a suitable mentoring / monitoring plan is in place;

• confirmation, supported by evidence, that all safety requirements can be met (primarily by compliance with all sections of this standard).

Roles and Responsibilities

The LCV process includes specific responsibilities for existing possession management roles. The process relies on, and sometimes enhances, conventional possession management arrangements as defined in the Rule Book (GE/RT8000).

Note 1: It should be noted that conventional Rule Book (GE/RT8000) processes for taking, managing and handing back possessions are not fully described within this document. This document does refer to the conventional processes to indicate where the LCV process enhances or interfaces with them.

The key responsibilities required and assumed when implementing the LCV process are described in this standard.

Purpose

This standard defines the requirements for the application of the LCV process on axle counter areas on Network Rail infrastructure.

This LCV process shall be adopted on all lines where train detection is achieved by axle counters, unless safety validation achieved through Network Rail Acceptance Panel or System Review Panel determines that an LCV process is not required.

The LCV process is based on the principle of a diverse means of proving the line clear and safe following engineering works and is designed to align as closely as possible with established methods of working.