The UK’s rail network is designed to fail safe, which means that when a cable is cut trains are brought to a standstill. This protects passengers but can lead to lengthy, frustrating delays while the problem is found and fixed safely.
To this end, Network Rail is now using our permanent cable marking solution, MetallicDNA, on its London North Western (LNW) route, which runs from London to Carlisle.
The marking will allow them to uniquely identify specific sections of cable. If a theft occurs it can be pinpointed back to a 300 metre section of rail. Deterrent warning signage is being used in areas where the solution is being deployed to deter criminals.
Network Rail has also been supplied with covert forensic markers to deploy in both hotspot areas and where they might have intelligence that a location is going to be targeted.
Leading the project is Andrea Graham, Incident Officer for the LNW route. Andrea is a former BTP Chief Inspector. The LNW route runs from London Euston in the South, through the West Midlands, the North West of England and Cumbria before joining with Scotland at Gretna.
The West Coast Mainline section is the busiest mixed use railway in Europe, and the section from London to Birmingham is due to grow significantly during the next 20 years. Keeping trespass, vandalism and theft to an absolute minimum therefore remain one of Network Rail’s highest priorities.
If you are interested in using SelectaDNA to protect tools and materials please contact [email protected] or call +44 (0)1689 860757
For further information and images contact: Jessica Farrugia, Senior Marketing Manager for Selectamark.
Phone: +44(0)1689 487829
Email:
[email protected]
Twitter: @selectadna
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