Optex provides a laser detection and CCTV solution for level crossings

The Redscan laser detection technology of Optex is the basis of a system, developed in the United Kingdom, to improve the safety of more than four hundred level crossings from Scotland to the South Coast of England.

After almost two years of testing, Tew Plus (currently LB Foster), achieved final approval from the United Kingdom's National Rail Network (Network Rail) for its safety solution for obstacle detection at level crossings with Optex Redscan as the central element of the detection system.

The complete level crossing solution from Optex incorporates the Redscan LiDAR laser detection as complementary detection, along with radar and CCTV equipment.

Si bien el radar se usa para detectar vehículos u objetos grandes que pueden causar daños al tren y poner en peligro la seguridad de sus pasajeros, LiDAR está diseñado para proteger a los peatones o ciclistas que podrían quedar atrapados entre las barreras. El sistema tiene una detección tan sensible que es capaz de detectar a un niño de nueve años de pie, acostado o cruzando las vías.

Their operation is simple, fiable y automatizado: el sistema de señalización informa a LiDAR cuando el paso a nivel está activo y hay un tren aproximándose. Consequently, el sistema de detección escanea el área de cruce dentro de las barreras.

Si no hay obstáculos en el cruce, la señal se pone verde y el tren puede pasar de manera segura; t, por el contrario, an object is detected, the barriers are raised to allow that element (a vehicle or pedestrian) to leave the area before allowing the train to pass.

Network Rail has implemented the LiDAR-based solution at more than a hundred level crossings and is currently being deployed across the United Kingdom. ‘Although the main goal is to make the railway crossing safer, it also helps with legal action in case reckless drivers damage the barriers’, note from Optex.