New CCTV system rolled out across Scottish rail network
More than 280 stations and depots across Scotland’s railway have benefited from new and upgraded high definition CCTV equipment.
In a move to further improve the safety and security of its customers and employees, ScotRail has upgraded its analogue CCTV camera system to a new digital hybrid system.
The new system has seen ScotRail move from 220 scrolling CCTV monitors to a 24-screen intelligent video wall which can analyse movements of customers on the platform.
Staff can use it to determine if members of the public are in unsafe situations, allowing ScotRail’s CCTV monitoring team alert station staff if necessary.
Everything from monitoring passenger numbers and behavioural analytics to car park management can be controlled via the new camera units.
It is hoped that the new equipment will help ScotRail identify vulnerable people and reduce fatalities on the railway, as well as crime.
The delivery of the project coincides with Rail Safety Week 2019, which began on Monday and runs to Sunday.
ScotRail has one of the largest CCTV networks in the UK, with over 6000 camera monitoring over 350 stations which the train operator remotely monitors from their two customer service centres in Paisley and Dunfermline.
From there they also answer calls from the station Help Points.
The £2 million project is part of ongoing investment to improve Scotland’s railway, and was funded through Network Rail’s Control Scottish Network Improvement Fund.
ScotRail director David Lister said: “Train travel is safe but that doesn’t mean we take our customers’ safety for granted. This new system is designed to provide even more security and reassurance to our customers and our people.
“CCTV and station Help Points are hugely important in combating crime and anti-social behaviour.
"And with passenger numbers continuing to grow and crime remaining low on Scotland’s railway, we think CCTV has played a part in this.
“We believe the improvements we’ve made will give our customers added confidence as to the safety of travel by rail.”
