Britain trials hazard detection using train-mounted cameras

BRITISH infrastructure manager Network Rail (NR) is sponsoring a pilot project to test the use of train-mounted forward-facing CCTV (FFCCTV) to detect infrastructure faults and hazards such as subsidence, poor ballast condition and over-hanging trees.

A 12-month trial on the London – Edinburgh East Coast Main Line (ECML) began in May using an FFCCTV camera installed in the cab of a Hitachi Rail Azuma train operated by London Northern Eastern Railway (LNER).

The FFCCTV monitoring system has been developed by British company CrossTech. Hitachi Rail is providing assistance with systems integration, operations and customer interface.

Automating the detection of potential hazards and determining where remedial work is required using AI should enable a proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance, Hitachi says.

Hazards that can be detected by the new system include over-hanging trees that may obstruct the driver’s view of signals and level crossings; invasive species and leaves on the line posing a threat to train adhesion; and poor embankment condition.

“Vegetation is the only living asset on the railway network and understanding the potential risk to trains is ever-changing,” says Network Rail route engineer, Ms Johanna Priestley.

“We can use this technology to understand where vegetation is encroaching on the operational railway and at risk of making contact with either trains or fixed infrastructure such as overhead electrified wires.”

“FFCCTV is the latest in a series of digital asset monitoring solutions that together have the potential to revolutionise real-time data collection and visualisation by trains running across the UK, generating valuable insights that drive better decisions,” says Mr Nick Hughes, senior director sales, UK and Ireland, at Hitachi Rail.