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24th April 2024 Issue no. 702

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Intelligent video and data management for Network Rail

The installation is facilitating wide-area surveillance of both unauthorised and legitimate track-based movements from a series of dual optical/thermal cameras on two-mile stretches either side of the depot, the camera-based hardware being compliant with trackside EMC standards. IP streams from the analogue cameras are being generated using blade encoders.

Sicura's goal throughout the project has been to optimise the intelligence of management views. Network Rail staff are monitoring the site using DigiWall which is an IP-based display solution for control rooms at critical infrastructure sites.

DigiWall users are able to view a comprehensive range of data sources including video footage, site schematics, and building management status. In addition to trackside surveillance, Sicura have an additional remit on the project to monitor the depot area, particularly during rail works involving temporary storage of cable and any copper components which are attractive to thieves.

Network Rail staff are using Sicura's DigiLive from Windows 7 for recording, review and management of alerts. The software has sophisticated video analytics developed in-house, but this environment requires a human interface to respond to external alarm events and examine footage.

The client and installation company report a positive experience with Sicura in terms of resilience, on-site product configuration, functionality which has exceeded expectations, and responsiveness of after-sales engineering support.

Significantly, operatives have told Sicura staff that they were unaware of the migration from analogue to IP, a detail which underlines that there have been no problems with latency.

Reading is a major rail junction and transport hub with significant flows of both originating and terminating traffic. It is served by three train operating companies (TOCs); First Great Western, South West Trains and CrossCountry. The enhanced camera surveillance at the outlying depot (the former site of a Post Office) is part of a £400m Network Rail regeneration programme which will include revival of a disused underpass to the east of the station, creation of an overpass to the west and an underpass beneath the 'fast' lines as opposed to the current flat junction system.

Vincenzo Roberti, Managing Director at Sicura Systems, said: "Use of DigiLive and DigiWall at the Reading depot is producing both 'hard' and 'soft' savings for Network Rail in terms of actual and opportunity costs. While the intrinsic value of stolen components can be considerable, this is often outweighed by knock-on effects and potential financial liabilities when line closure means TOCs are unable to provide a service to customers, including commuters. The versatility of DigiLive is also protecting Network Rail against general trespass and graffiti spraying."

Sicura Systems Ltd
Simon Head
+44 (0)1256 233052
[email protected]
www.sicurasystems.com

9th November 2011