Automatic Signalling.

In certain recent train accidents the Government Inspecting Officer is of the opinion that the accidents would probably not have occurred had automatic signalling been employed. The position as regards automatic signalling in Britain is interesting. By degrees all the four group railways are introducing automatic equipment for signalling purposes, but, as yet, only a small proportion of their tracks are so equipped. Now and again there comes a call from outside sources for the introduction of legislation compelling the railways to utilise automatic signalling on all main lines. The Government experts, however, appreciating the steady progress being made in the extended utilisation of automatic signalling, and recognising the enormous expense that would be entailed by the railways through any legislation of this nature are unanimous in their opinion that, at the moment, there is no call for such drastic action.