NR NR/GN/CIV/300/01 ISSUE 1 PDF

This Guidance applies to fixed directional wayfinding signage intended for use by passengers at Network Rail Managed Stations. This includes wayfinding signage in all passenger-facing areas including those which may be used infrequently by passengers.

This Guidance applies to the following types of proposed or actual Works when undertaken on buildings and civil infrastructure that is owned, or is to be owned, by Network Rail:

1. Enhancements:

Wayfinding signage that is delivered through a project that changes operational capability or function of the building or infrastructure.

2. Replacements:

Signage replacement where there is no change to the functionality of the building or infrastructure.

3. Renewals:

Signage that is replaced at the end of its design life.

4. Temporary works:

Signage supplied on a temporary basis for no longer than six months.

5. Permanent works or staged construction:

Signage supplied on permanent works, or as a stage in construction where temporary works may have the same impact on the infrastructure as permanent Works

Works which are not covered by this Guidance:

1. Non-public or operational lineside signage;

2. Heritage and listed building requirements.

3. Emergency Do Not Enter (EDNE) signage

4. Electronic Visual Passenger Information Systems installed on stations.

This Guidance is intended for Network Rail and non-Network Rail parties involved in the design, remitting, design approval, installation and bringing into use of signage and wayfinding for station premises.

Purpose

At railway stations the design and positioning of rules for directional, orientation and identification information and signage is commonly known as wayfinding. Wayfinding encompasses all the ways in which people orient themselves in physical space and navigate from place to place.

The provision of effective wayfinding system is recognised as a means of assisting passengers in undertaking their journey efficiently, comfortably, accessibly, conveniently and safely.

This Guidance supports statutory requirements and achieves consistency between wayfinding signage installations undertaken in different stations across the Network. It sets out the requirements for the provision of wayfinding in a coherent and consistent manner that enables designs and compliance to be measured.

This Guidance supports compliance with primary legislation and regulations made under it. In particular, the Equality Act, Department for Transport / Transport Scotland Code of Practice Design Standards for Accessible Railway Station, and the European PRM Mobility TSI which prescribes consistency in visual information on signage. It is advisable to align with this standard in order to comply with European and National requirements of achieving a comprehensive, coherent and consistent system across the railway network.

This Guidance has been produced by Network Rail to support a Network Rail Wayfinding assurance standard and to establish wayfinding as part of a station information system for Network Rail’s portfolio of managed stations. It illustrates the application of the principles described in the Network Rail Station Wayfinding Design and Assurancy Procedure standard, NR/L2/CIV/150.

The Guidance fits within a framework of other design guidance and standards that should be consulted during the design process. These include various Station Design Standards which set out standards for design elements which may be interrelated with wayfinding at stations as well as the Rail Delivery Group Wayfinding Best Practice Guide which focuses on improving the passenger connections between the rail network and the first and last mile journey.

This Guidance supports the free and safe movement of people and addresses passenger service delivery issues of:

a) Security and safety

b) Visual information for passengers

c) Efficiency

d) Accessibility

e) Ambience

f) Branding and corporate design

This Guidance also supports applications for Landlords Consent from Network Rail.