London Bridge Area Signalling Centre 
September 11 2006
On Monday the 11th of September sixteen members of the IRO Young Professionals descended upon London Bridge station in the hope of seeing what life was like inside one of the busiest signal boxes in the Britain.
Our guide was Lilian and she led us down the platform and through to the signal box to the East of the station.
We were given our fire safety instructions and were then let loose to shadow and ask questions to the signallers.
The signal box was split into various panels and a group of Young Professionals were shown a panel each. They had the opportunity to ask the signaller in charge any questions they may have whilst watching the routing of trains coming into and out of London Bridge station via the electronic panel.
One of the signallers described an 
earlier incident involving children on the line and the signalling methods required to ensure disruption was kept to a minimum. Visitors were also shown the process by which signalling incidents are disputed with TOCs in TRUST and had the opportunity to ask any questions they may have on this process.
Our time in the signal box was limited to an hour to ensure that everyone had the chance to speak to a signaller but so as not to distract the box during its busiest period. The Young Professionals headed to the Bridge Bar for a 
welcomed drink and to discuss what they had learnt and whether they had enjoyed it.
The overwhelming response was yes.
Written by Glen Merryman.
Photos courtesy Michael Pead (© 2006).
Station approach photo by Alex Hellier (© 2006).
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