Cars are of monocoque construction, while the aerodynamic nose of each power car is made of glass-reinforced plastic, with a steel safety cage surrounding the driving position. If the top speed is exceeded, brakes are automatically applied. A similar system is used in Belgium. A 'crocodile' system is also used in France and Belgium, in which transducers on the track make regular contact with receivers on the train, telling the driver the aspect of the next signal. Britain uses the advanced warning system, with magnets between the rails transmitting details of the next signal to the driver.
Trains switch automatically between the different systems.
On the first CTRL section, a journey time saving of around 20min from London to the Channel Tunnel will be achieved. On completion of the entire line into St Pancras, London-Paris journeys will take about 2hr 20min, saving 35min on current times, and halving the present journey time from London to the Channel Tunnel. Eurostar at London Waterloo. New, parallel lines for high-speed trains will soon change forever the appearance of many parts of east Kent. An artist's impression of the entrance to the new Stratford station, where it will cross the London Underground's extended Jubilee Line.