- Published: 30.03.2006.
New Signalization Norms for the European Rail Network
The European Commission adopted the technical specification for railway interoperability in speed control and signalization within the trans-European rail network, as it was stated in Brussels.
Europe is currently using more than 20 different systems for signalization and speed control, which means that most of the international passenger and cargo trains have to stop at the borders for a change of locomotive.
This new decision allows a gradual system adjustment through one mutual system known as the European Rail-Traffic Management System (ERMTS).
The implementation of the ERMTS is already obligatory for locomotives which will operate in the network of high-speed rail systems, while, in the conventional rail system this new EC decision will be obligatory only for new locomotives operating along trans-European lines of high priority.
The adoption of the new technical requirements and the implementation of the unified signalization system of the ERMTS will be a precondition for receiving further EU support.