Jan/Feb 2005

In a move to sharpen up the performance of its rapid-response engineering team, Network Rail has implemented a fleet management system from Eagle Eye Telematics. The organisation says the system has also enhanced the security of the operation.

The rapid response vehicles are permanently available to offer "first aid" in rail operations - anything from tackling track or signalling problems before an engineer arrives to dealing with acts of vandalism.

The Eagle Eye system will enable control managers to track the whereabouts of each vehicle in their area from a central base station, and allocate resources to an incident on the basis of proximity and availability.

Security is enhanced because Network rail can now set "permissions" for each vehicle (for example, geographical restrictions). The system will alert the central control if these permissions are exceeded, and it can then take appropriate action - for instance, by immobilising the vehicle if theft is suspected.

 

Initially the system has been installed on the organisation's London and North Eastern route.