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

  • Zoomlion ends pursuit of Terex Corporation
    May 31, 2016
    Zoomlion has ended its multi-billion dollar bid to acquire Terex Corporation. In a statement to customers, Ken Lousberg, Terex Cranes president, said that discussions between the two construction equipment industry heavyweights over a near US$3.3 billion deal had been terminated. Lousberg said the recently announced sale of Terex Corporation’s Material Handling and Port Solutions business segment to Finland-based Konecranes for around $1.3 billion is proceeding as planned, subject to regulatory and Konecra
    Read More
  • Zoomlion ends pursuit of Terex Corporation
    May 31, 2016
    Zoomlion has ended its multi-billion dollar bid to acquire Terex Corporation. In a statement to customers, Ken Lousberg, Terex Cranes president, said that discussions between the two construction equipment industry heavyweights over a near US$3.3 billion deal had been terminated. Lousberg said the recently announced sale of Terex Corporation’s Material Handling and Port Solutions business segment to Finland-based Konecranes for around $1.3 billion is proceeding as planned, subject to regulatory and Konecra
    Read More
  • Easing temporary highway danger
    February 22, 2013
    Some of the latest speedometer technology has been successfully trialled in French highway work zones, while tireless work continues across Europe and the United States to reduce the number of work zone deaths and serious injuries involving road workers and motorists. Guy Woodford reports The number of roadworkers being killed and seriously injured on England’s motorways and major trunk roads more than doubled between 2007 and 2010 – from no deaths and 14 serious injuries. This rise has led to to major camp
    Read More
  • International Road Federation has partnered with RAI Intertraffic
    April 1, 2016
    Delegates experience IRF training at world’s largest road fair The International Road Federation has partnered with RAI Intertraffic, the organiser of the world’s largest road fair, to hold complimentary training workshops open to all visitors. A pilot course on roadside hazard identification and management introduced during Intertraffic Istanbul in 2015 received very positive feedback and has now been expanded to four introductory courses on a wider range of topics made available to all Intertraffic Ams
    Read More

Highlighted Content