ARTC's network rules did not provide suitable guidance to assess continued safe operation when responding to track circuit faults. Additionally, the network rules permitting signals to be passed at Stop did not require a reduction in speed when the condition of the track was unknown.
Safety action taken: ARTC has advised that they are currently trialling a process to assist when responding to track circuit faults.
The ATSB notes that ARTC has implemented a trial for responding to track circuit faults, but this does not contain any references to a reduction in speeds if continuing operation.
