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

  • Safer construction sites with technology
    April 7, 2022
    Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, is now offering upgrades to its modular safety awareness solutions. The Leica iCON PA10 and PA80 are suited for use on construction sites and were designed initially to concentrate on identifying pedestrians.
    Read More
  • Bentley and Trimble Advance BIM through Construction Modeling
    November 14, 2014
    Software solutions providers Bentley and Trimble will collaborate to develop construction modeling products for asset performance that can be used by clients after handover of a project. The announcement was made simultaneously at their separate conferences -- the Bentley Year in Infrastructure 2014 event in London, UK, and Trimble Dimensions 2014 in Las Vegas. Construction modeling includes modeling of temporary works, intelligent positioning, splitting and sequencing, detailing for fabrication, work
    Read More
  • Safety barriers offer positive workzone protection
    February 10, 2012
    A road project in Utah has benefited from the use of effective barrier protection during construction. *Paul Grant reports An upgraded section of road from 3500 South in West Valley City, Utah, is now open to traffic. The link was completely rebuilt by Utah DoT (UDOT) from the Bangerter Highway to 2700 West, and the road carries traffic from West Valley toward downtown Salt Lake City and the University of Utah. The work added two centre lanes, which are now the first dedicated Bus Rapid Transit lanes in Uta
    Read More
  • Tunnel vision with TrafiBot Dual AI camera
    September 24, 2024
    Flir’s TrafiBot Dual AI offers a fast thermal core, the most reliable 14-bit early fire detection for road tunnels and robust artificial intelligence for the highest detection performance.
    Read More

Highlighted Content