NR NR/GN/CIV/300/01 ISSUE 2 PDF

This Guidance can be applied to fixed directional wayfinding signage intended for use by passengers at both current Managed and Franchised 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.

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. It supersedes the previous Wayfinding Guidance document published in 2011.

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 Landlord’s Consent from Network Rail.

Works not covered by this Guidance include:

1. Non-public or operational lineside signage;

2. Safety signage

3. Heritage and listed building requirements.

4. Emergency Do Not Enter (EDNE) signage

5. Electronic Visual Customer Information Systems (CIS) installed in stations.

Purpose

At railway stations the design and positioning of rules for directional, orientation and identification information and signposting 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 an 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 for accessibility by achieving 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 document focuses on compliance with primary legislation and regulations made under it. In particular, the Equality Act, DfT/Transport Scotland Code of Practice Design Standards for Accessible Railway Stations, and the PRM NTSN for accessibility which prescribes consistency in visual information in signposting. It is advisable to align with this standard in order to comply with both National and European requirements of achieving a coherent, comprehensive and consistent system across the railway network.

This document should be read in conjunction with the Network Rail Wayfinding Design and Assurance Procedure Standard, NR/L2/CIV/150, which has been produced to support the implementation of a consistent signposting system across the UK’s network of rail stations.

The guidance fits within a framework of other wayfinding guidance manuals and standards that should be consulted during the design and procurement of station passenger signage, such 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.