200803 – Howker & Burton – Application of European ATP to Existing Signalling: The Trials and Tribulations

The first part of the paper describes the basic principles of European Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and the how it may be applied to an Australian working railway. It covers the major principles of application, to both trackside and onboard. The paper also describes the controls needed in the signalling and the necessary requirements for both loco and multiple units. The second part of the paper describes in detail how the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 technology was applied on a working railway in Australia. It describes the difficulties encountered and the solutions found in the signalling application. It also comments on the need for flexibility in signalling principles and how they can be amended or simplified with the addition of ATP.