NSG 612 Overrun of limit of authority

Purpose

To prescribe the rules for dealing with an overrun of limit of authority in the Network.

Principle

A movement overruns its limit of authority if, without authority, it:

• passes a signal at STOP, or
• passes a sign that shows a limit of authority, or
• exceeds the limit of a Special Proceed Authority (SPA), or
• enters a block without the correct authority.

Responding to overrun of limit of authority

Drivers or Track Vehicle Operators who find they have overrun a limit of authority must immediately:

• stop their rail traffic
• tell the Signaller.

The Signaller must:

• stop rail traffic that has overrun its limit of authority and not stopped
• stop and prevent other movements that are at risk
• tell affected Drivers or Track Vehicle Operators to wait for further instructions
• if a starting or home/starting signal has been passed, tell affected Signallers
• tell the Network Controller.

The Network Controller must arrange to:

• determine the method of working to be used to move the rail traffic
• assess if the Driver or Track Vehicle Operator is fit to continue the journey
• tell the affected Operator’s Representative
• issue a Network Incident Notice (NIN).

If the movement that has overrun the limit of authority is to continue, the movement must be authorised by the Signaller.