Unusually, when the box is switched out the yard can still be accessed, by operating the signal box lever frame as a ground frame. An intermediate token instrument is provided to enable trains to be locked into the yard. One side effect of this operation is that whilst the yard is being shunted, the Highley and Bewdley North signalmen are unable to communicate by bell signal.
Arley is the only SVR signal box whose the electrically locked levers of which are operated by the lever catch handles, so the signalman does not have to push a separate release plunger.
== History ==