East Coast train companies trial hazard and safety monitoring system

Network Rail previously estimated that vegetation-related incidents cost up to £3m annually in the Southern region alone. With this, the companies said that monitoring areas in real-time could enhance safety, helping detect potential hazards like overhanging or invasive tree species, leaves on the track, or embankment subsidence that could cause harm or delays.

The new forward-facing CCTV camera (FFCCTV) has been installed inside the driver’s cabin of a LNER Azuma train for a 12-month trial, which started in May.

The solution uses the latest in artificial intelligence (AI) camera sensor technology, the partners said, which will automate the detection of potential hazards and pinpoint where maintenance is necessary, enabling a ‘proactive’ approach to infrastructure maintenance.

Equally, the trial will provide insights and guidance to optimise when and where maintenance is needed on the East Coast Main Line.

Hitachi Rail is helping to convene the pilot project, using its digital supplier CrossTech. Hitachi said that the FFCCTV monitoring solution was developed by combining CrossTech technology with its digital expertise to assist with integration, operations and customer interface.