Secretary of State for Transport (): I am pleased to
announce over £1 billion investment in the East Coast digital
programme, which aims to introduce the European train control
system (ETCS)
to the Southern section of the East Coast Mainline.
European train control system, also known as digital signalling,
brings signalling onto a screen in the train’s cab.
This provides drivers with continuous real time information, for
example maximum allowable speeds, and removes the need for
line-side signals.
Trackside sensors are retained to track the train on the network
and support adaptive decision-making, through assessing and
understanding that particular train’s characteristics such as
speed and braking distance.
This investment will fund the fitment of trains and lineside
technology on the stretch of line from London King’s Cross to
Stoke Tunnel, just north of Peterborough, as well as the
integration of this technology into the network and its operating
companies.
This will be the first deployment of European train control
system on a mixed-use mainline in the UK rail network, increasing
punctuality and reliability for both passenger and freight
services across the whole line.
Trains will be able to run closer together safely, enabling more
services to run on the same stretch of track. Fewer signalling
failures and faster recovery from any delays will make the
service more reliable for the customer.
This programme of work presents a unique opportunity to enable a
positive step-change in technology on the network, with a move
away from systems of signalling that emerged from Victorian
times, and towards a high-performing digital alternative.
As the rail sector continues to recover from the pandemic, it is
vitally important that capacity and reliability are both
increased in a financially viable way as demand returns.
This large upfront investment in the rail sector also presents an
opportunity for savings in the long run, as maintenance of these
assets is more affordable across the whole life of the signals.
Furthermore, this programme will create approximately 5,000
highly skilled jobs in the rail industry.
Initial enabler projects have already begun, including the
fitment of trains and some infrastructure on the Northern City
Line, with works to continue through the 2020s.
This major investment is symbolic of this government’s ongoing
commitment to modernising our railways, making them fit for the
21st century.
Deployment of this innovative technology for the first time on a
mixed-use mainline in the UK will deliver improvements for the
user, support the creation of a financially sustainable railway
and also grow and level up the economy by delivering an upgrade
to this vital economic artery which stretches along the spine of
this country.
See £1 billion technology
investment to bring railway into 21st century news story,
published 29 June 2022.
