Points

Points are movable sections of track, allowing trains to move from one line to another. On some of our busiest lines, over 100 trains will pass over just one set of points every day.

Points are a type of switch added at needed places to prevent unauthorised trains moving onto the mainline from sidings or branch lines. They may also be used on steeper sections of the railway to help trains in danger of disconnection.

The 'wiggly bits' are controlled from a signal box beside the track or from a central system.