Description

A signal passed at danger (SPAD) is an event on a railway where a train passes a stop signal without authority. This is also known as running a red, in the United States as a stop signal overrun (SSO) and in Canada as passing a stop signal. SPAD is defined by Directive 2014/88/EU as any occasion when any part of a train proceeds beyond its authorised movement. Unauthorised movement means to pass:a trackside colour light signal or semaphore at danger, or an order to STOP where a Train Protection system (TPS) is not operational, the end of a safety related movement authority provided in a TPS, a point communicated by verbal or written authorisation laid down in regulations, stop boards (buffer stops are not included) or hand signals.