Drone Major Group recently announced a pioneering initiative, in partnership with Network Rail, to develop the UK’s first ‘drone assured navigation and safety system’ for use along 20,000 miles of railway tracks and infrastructure.
These drones will be used as a ‘safety corridor’ to stop delays across the country by limiting the number of trespassers, vandalism, and other external problems, such as animals on the line, collapsed trees, and lineside fires.
Across the rail network in England, Wales, and Scotland, there were over 18,500 incidents recorded last year from trespassing, creating delays, with the total performance delay costs estimated at £55 million per year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The new system will vastly improve the safety, speed, and efficiency of the UK railway service for both passengers and staff, with the biggest risk for rail workers being struck by a train while working track side, currently typically happening every 18 to 24 months.
With a fully operational drone network, Network Rail will deliver additional savings and significantly reduce the 1.9 billion spent every year maintaining the entire Network Rail estate.
The Communication Group plc supported Drone Major Group’s announcement with a tailored media campaign, securing coverage in The Telegraph, GB News, Global Railway Review and Rail Business Daily, among others.
