These serve as an additional safety measure for maintenance sites, in order to protect workers with reduced speeds and the corresponding reduction in suction force caused by passing trains. This also shortens the approach route, and shortens the signaller route. In slow speed sections, the braking distance of trains is reduced significantly. Train drivers must also pay particular attention to the section of track in slow speed sections. However, delays resulting from track maintenance measures that are sometimes necessary are already taken into account in rail services.
Temporary slow speed sections at maintenance sites are indicated in Germany by the slow speed signals Lf 1 to Lf 3. More information is provided for train drivers in the directory of slow speed sections.
Lf 1: Slow down sign
The slow down sign is comprised of a yellow triangle with a white edge and 1-2 digits in black. At night, the sign is supplemented with two yellow lights that rise upwards to the left. Lf 1 indicates a temporary slow speed section where the maximum speed may not exceed 10 times the digits shown, i.e. 30 km/h where a "3" is displayed on the sign.
Lf 2: Start sign
At braking distance to the signal Lf 1, the signal Lf 2 follows. This is comprised of a yellow triangle with a white edge and a large black "A". The slow speed section actually begins here. At this point, the maximum speed of the train may not exceed the speed specified on the slow down sign Lf 1.
Lf 3: End sign
A white triangle with a large black "E" indicates the end of the temporary slow speed section. The end sign lifts the speed limit; the train may now accelerate to the appropriate speed for the route.
