Network Rail and the ScotRail Alliance are rolling-out a new system at high-risk level crossings that uses mobile phone signals to warn people to stay aware when near the railway. Geo-fencing technology is being introduced at 10 Scottish crossings to help tackle the issue of distraction at level crossings.
The system will be used to send alerts to mobile phones near the targeted level crossing warning the user to put their phone away before crossing the line. The Scottish crossings targeted in the campaign are: Cornton 2 (Stirling), Whitelaw (near Edinburgh), Bainfield (near Cardross), Back Settlement (Mearns, Aberdeenshire), Curriehill (near Edinburgh), Anderson Street (Carnoustie, Angus) and Gatehead (near Kilmarnock).
The new technology is being rolled out as figures from Network Rail show that young people are more likely to have a near miss at a level crossing during the summer and are more likely to be distracted when crossing. Data reveals that over two thirds (70%) of near misses are due to distraction, with the top three distractions at level crossings highlighted as friends (40%), headphones (20%) and mobile phones (12%). Almost a third (29%) of young adults admit to using their mobile phone while crossing the railway.
Share on:
