2005 Q8 COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL

[PJW]

Both NR and LUL run safety critical communication courses to ensure that there is a process for communication to follow in a manner the message is fully understood by both parties and is not open to interpretation.
Driver: [pick up SPT, it rings]
Signaller: This is signaller Fred on workstation 3 at signalbox Gertie. Over.

In my experience NR signallers do NOT give their names in such communication - though they do when completing specific proforma when both copies fill in their version simultaneously). I do not believe that this is slackness, but is the way they have been trained to communicate.

Permission is not granted for train zero alpha nine three to pass signal Juliette Romeo three five one two which is at danger due to vandalism.

I am surprised if this is proposed as good communication; the loss of a single word changes the whole meaning. The phrase that the line is "not clear" is explicitly banned and should instead be stated as "line blocked". I think the wording in this case is more likely to be: Wait for the signal and obey its aspect or call me back in five minutes".

If the signal clears, can you proceed at caution.

This seems to be a request or a question rather than an instruction. More likely to say something like: "When the signal clears you are authorised to proceed at caution, keeping a good lookout for trespassers who have been reported in the vicinity of 45MP. Stop at signal Juliette Romeo three five one four signal whatever its aspect and speak to me again."