Rail Minister Peter Hendy has led celebrations of the Great Northern ‘Northern City Line’ becoming the country’s first commuter railway to run without signals at the side of the track.

The line went signal-free in May, and two months later, Lord Hendy saw the technology involved at first hand. He observed the digital in-cab signalling at first hand during a ride in a cab from Moorgate to Finsbury Park.

The removal of lineside signals has taken place as part of the first stage of the East Coast Digital Programme (ECDP), which the government is funding to the tune of £1.4 billion.

Using the digital signalling system, the train driver receives constant information about how far and how fast the train can travel. The information is displayed on a computer screen in the cab, and uses a system known as ETCS (European Train Control System).

Using digital signalling improves the reliability of train services, cuts carbon emissions and will, says Network Rail, will “ultimately provide a more punctual service for customers.” 

Lord Hendy was accompanied on his visit by senior leaders of the rail industry, and by Feryal Clark MP, who is Minister for AI and digital government.

A major, innovative move such as running without lineside signals requires sections of the industry to work together, as it involves both track and train. Organisations involved include Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and Siemens Mobility UK&I.

Network Rail believes that the success of this project so far both proves that its delivery model works and paves the way for strategic innovation and for more industry integration under Great British Railways (GBR).

During his visit, Hendy was given an update on the general progress ECDP. Network Rail expects that ETCS will enable digitally signalled services on the East Coast Main Line from next year. It also has a “masterplan” to gradually introduce digital signalling across the wider network.

Hendy’s predecessor as Rail Minister, Huw Merriman, took a similar trip in a Northern City Line train cab two years ago.

“This shift from traditional signals to digital control on such a busy commuter route is a huge achievement, and today has been a chance to celebrate bringing in the next generation railway in this year of Railway 200. I would like to thank our signallers, controllers, maintainers and all who have worked with our industry partners to make this change possible.”

Ellie Burrows, Network Rail’s managing director, Eastern region