Safety improvements for UK’s level crossings

As part of a recent rail investment package, the Department for Transport has ring-fenced a US$100 million fund for safety improvements to level crossings between 2014 and 2019, and Optex has announced that its Redscan laser detector has been specified as part of a new solution to automate signalling and detect whether or not a level crossing is clear from vehicles and pedestrians before allowing a train to pass through.
July 27, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
RSSAs part of a recent rail investment package, the 5432 Department for Transport has ring-fenced a US$100 million fund for safety improvements to level crossings between 2014 and 2019, and Optex has announced that its Redscan laser detector has been specified as part of a new solution to automate signalling and detect whether or not a level crossing is clear from vehicles and pedestrians before allowing a train to pass through.

Following nearly two years of testing, TEW Plus, a supplier of specialist CCTV and security products, has achieved full 4139 Network Rail Product Approval for its level crossing obstacle detector using the Redscan as the core detection element. The complete MCB-OD Level Crossings solution incorporates Lidar as the complimentary obstacle detector (COD) working alongside Radar and CCTV surveillance equipment. The solution will be rolled out to more than 400 level crossings over the next five years.

In separate news, Network Rail is to install a spoken-word warning system at 63 level crossings, starting in the York/Selby area. Instead of a two-tone alarm, a spoken announcement will warn if another train is approaching. The Rail Safety and Standards Board has advised that voice messages should improve awareness, instead of relying solely on alarms.

Highway & Network Management

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • London roads pose danger for powered two wheeler riders
    June 10, 2015
    There were 127 deaths on London's roads in 2014, according to official figures released by Transport for London (TfL). Of these deaths, 27 were of motorcyclists. Given that motorcyclists still constitute a comparatively small percentage of the total number of road users, this is of concern. Neil Greig, director of policy and research at the Institute of Advanced Motorists' (IAM) said, "Motorcycling is gaining in popularity in the capital where it offers an excellent solution to London's congestion problems,
    Read More
  • AD Engineering’s VMS for the Gateway WA project in Perth, Australia
    September 16, 2015
    Contractors are now installing variable message signs from Australian manufacturer A.D. Engineering International along parts of the Gateway WA Perth Airport and Freight Access project in Western Australia state. Fifteen more of the signs will be installed before the end of the year and will display two-colour text and four-colour pictures as required. Gateway WA is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by the client, the government agency Main Roads WA.
    Read More
  • ARTBA predicts growth in transport construction
    December 2, 2016
    Modest growth in transport construction is predicted in the US in 2017 by the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). According to a report by ARTBA chief economist, Dr Alison Premo Black, total transportation construction and related market activity is expected to grow 1.3% in 2017, driven largely by increases in highway and bridge private construction activity supporting residential and commercial developments. In 2017, the market is expected to reach US$247.8 billion, up from $244
    Read More
  • Software alliance improves productivity
    June 12, 2012
    In the fast moving world of construction software, major innovations are happening on a continuous basis. All the leading players are making notable contributions to the sector. A new strategic alliance just announced between the management and data handling software giant Pitney Bowes, and design and construction software producer Autodesk, will help create an end to end range of products and tools for rapidly evolving BIM strategies in the industry. In particular in should help develop an integrated suite
    Read More

Highlighted Content