trap points

noun

A set of facing points at the end of a crossing loop or side track parallel to a mainline which will direct a train into a sand drag if the signal on that line is passed at danger, thus preventing the train running onto the main line.

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Meanings

nountrap points (plural trap points)
  1. UKrail transportA set of facing points at the end of a crossing loop or side track parallel to a mainline which will direct a train into a sand drag if the signal on that line is passed at danger, thus preventing the train running onto the main line.

    The single-tank wagon ran away from a siding at Hanson's cement works, heading downhill towards Horrocksford Junction [...]. At Horrocksford Junction the wagon was derailed by a set of trap points, stopping clear of the main line.

    2020 April 22, “RAIB investigates Clitheroe runaway”, in Rail, page 23
Cite this entry
APA

trap points. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/trap%20points

MLA

“trap points.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/trap%20points. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “trap points,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/trap%20points.

Source: trap points on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.