Costain awarded Network Rail contract for ‘Meerkat’ technology at level crossings
Costain has won a Network Rail contract to develop warning technology to save lives at level crossings.
The smart infrastructure solutions company has begun developing its 'Meerkat' technology, which will detect an oncoming train and provide audible and visible warnings to alert people at level crossings.
The contract would see the technology installed at level crossings across the UK over the next five years.
Around five people a year are killed at level crossings in Britain and hundreds of near misses are reported.
The first units could be installed within 12 months.
Chief executive, Andrew Wylie, said: “Maintaining safety on the rail network is an important focus and the award of this contract demonstrates how smart infrastructure solutions can help save lives.”
Head of passenger and public safety at Network Rail, Allan Spence, said: “This is an important project which will help further reduce level crossing across the network.
“Meerkat will give users information on whether it is safe to cross and allow us to replace hundreds of Victorian 'whistleboards' – helping line side neighbours as well as improving safety.”
Costain Group reported growing profit margins yesterday in the wake of a business shift towards technology-driven markets.
Underlying profit climbed to £22.8m during the first six months of 2018, rising eight per cent from the same period in 2017.