As usual this is a rather confused article from the Beeb.
ERTMS is currently only being
trialled on the Cambrian. Presumably they're doing it there because it's the back of beyond and they can make their mistakes without bringing the UK to a standstill. It's unfortunate for the steam guys that they're running over the very piece of line where the trial is.
AIUI, ERTMS uses the Moving Block principle. Instead of trains moving in and out of geographically fixed blocks, the system sets up a virtual block around a train, based on its speed and physical characteristics. In order to do this it needs to monitor every train's performance continuously.
So it's not surprising that for the duration of the trial only ERTMS compatible stock is allowed onto the system. Non fitted stock would be 'invisible'. Hopefully when it's all over things will return to normal and the steam guys will get track access back.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by BBC News
The European Rail Traffic Management system (ERTMS) is being piloted on the line, before UK-wide installation.
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The expression 'piloted' makes it sound like it's ready to go - they've got to try and make it work first !!
And as for
UK WIDE !! - we have neither the cash or the infrastructure for this. Only Main Lines with a running speed of >100 mph really need it, so this certainly does not spell the end of steam in the UK.