Another train coming sign: what it means

What does the ANOTHER TRAIN COMING sign mean?

Know your traffic signs says that where more than one railway line goes over an automatic crossing, this signal also flashes, and the sound of the warning changes, if another train is approaching. Rule 293 adds that you must wait if a train goes by and the red lights continue to flash.

Quick quiz

Level crossings

Question 1 of 1

1. You are waiting at a level crossing with no barriers. A train passes, but the red lights continue to flash. What should you do?

   • A Cross once the rear of the train is out of sight
   • B Wait because another train will be passing soon Right
   • C Cross slowly while watching along the railway
   • D Move onto the crossing to improve your view

   The right answer is B: Wait because another train will be passing soon

   WhyWait while red crossing lights keep flashing after a train passes; another train will be passing soon.

   Source: The Highway Code, rule 293

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Where will you see it?

At automatic level crossings with more than one track, beside the red light signals.

What should you do?

Stay behind the white line. Only cross when the lights go off and the barriers open. Never zig-zag round half-barriers (rule 293).

What do people get wrong?

Driving on as soon as the first train has passed. A second train can come from either direction while the barriers are still down.

Common questions

What if the red lights keep flashing for a long time?

Keep waiting. At level crossings with flashing red lights, you must stop until they go off. If they flash for more than 3 minutes with no train arriving (other than at crossings with full barriers), Know your traffic signs says to phone the signal operator.

Is this sign used at every level crossing?

No. It is used where more than one line crosses the road.

Compare with

• Stop when lights show signLight signals ahead at a level crossing.
• Level crossing with barrier signA railway crossing with gates or barriers is ahead.

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Sources

Checked on 3 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (level crossing signs and signals) and The Highway Code rule 293.

1. Know your traffic signs: level crossing signs and signals, GOV.UK
2. The Highway Code, rule 293, GOV.UK
3. Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.