To get the thread back on topic....
Scott asked,
What is the system called in place at London Heathrow for gound movements on the taxiways (greenlights), the one that replaces ATC GND instructions?
This system is currently known as
Surface Movement Ground Control System or SMGCS
The equipment is supplied and updated by Alstom, not Lucas or Bosch!
We used to call it BARCIS or British Airports Route Control Indicating System but we're not allowed to be British Airports Authority any more, only BAAplc.
Of course, everyone still calls it the BARCIS (or a pain in the *ss, depending upon whether or not it's working.) I think that Max Angle is in a tiny minority. Most people seem to find it useful and it does give positive separation from other traffic, which actually improves the capacity of the airfield, even though it may appear to slow an individual a/c. Just take it steady and anticipate what's happening ahead of you. It's a bit like charging phased traffic lights. If you stick to the speed limit, you'll find they'll change nicely just as you get to them!
The panel operators here at LGW take great pride in working together with the ATCO for a smooth, expeditious flow of traffic and I'm sure it's the same at LHR (it used to be, anyway).
Cheers,
TheOddOne