Post updated 12 August 2024. Reason for update: Confirmation that the semaphore signals at Littlehampton were still working on 12 August 2024.
This post covers the status of the Bognor Regis semaphore signals, which were still operational as of 9 August 2024, and the Littlehampton semaphore signals, which remained in use as of 12 August 2024. Both locations reflect the continued presence of traditional signalling systems despite earlier reports of decommissioning.
There are reports online that the Bognor Regis semaphore signals were scheduled for decommissioning in 2023. Sources: Doomed trains and semaphores on the West Sussex coast at RailwayWorld.net, and Signal structures at Bognor Regis railway station need replacing, says Network Rail at SussexWorld.
Having previously visited Bognor Regis Railway Station in May 2021 and photographed the semaphore signals, I decided it was time to revisit and investigate further.
As my train approached Bognor Regis on 9 August 2024, I watched with a heavy heart, fully anticipating new signalling. Imagine my surprise and excitement when I viewed these splendid semaphores still intact.
Bognor Regis Semaphore Signals on 9 August 2024
My departure from Bognor Regis on the 17:41 train going to Barnham only
To see these signals in action, view the accompanying short video clip.
When will the Bognor Regis Semaphore Signals be decommissioned?
While at Bognor Regis Railway Station, I asked a railway employee when the signals at Bognor Regis would be decommissioned. This is what I was told, and I have paraphrased:
While this railway company [Southern] is a private company, there may be little incentive for them to decommission these signals. When this railway company returns to public ownership [state ownership], there will be more urgency to modernise.
I asked the employee whether the semaphore signals at Littlehampton were still in service.
This is what I was told, and I have paraphrased:
The Littlehampton semaphores are due to be decommissioned towards the end of this year [2024].
Updated 12 August 2024.
Littlehampton Semaphore Signals Still Working in August 2024
On 12 August 2024, I travelled to Littlehampton Railway Station. As my train approached the station, I observed with delight that the Littlehampton semaphore signals were still working.
Bognor Regis Railway Station
On an aside, the exterior of Bognor Regis Railway Station is quite splendid.
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