Rail Trespass Prevention - Market Engagement

Descriptions

Background

For authorised persons, station platforms can act as essential access points to the network allowing Network Rail and contractors to walk safely to signalling equipment and other line side assets. Unfortunately, they can also act as access points for unauthorised people who use platform ends as a means to trespass.

Trespass on UK railways from April 2023 - March 2024 resulted in 908,000 delay minutes across over 1900 incidents, directly impacting our customers , representing a 15% increase on the previous year. Those who trespass are putting themselves and others at risk; in the same period, there were 10 deaths on mainline rail as a result of trespass.

Trespassers come from a range of demographics, but are primarily young people between 12 and 20 years old, and adult males.

Traditional means of keeping unauthorised persons from walking off the platform end include the use of gates and anti-trespass panels (sometimes known as "witches' hats"). They present a physical barrier that can be easily bypassed. They are also expensive to install and maintain due to the required safety regulations when working on or near the line, and for planning and materials.

In staffed stations, the presence of staff can act as a deterrent; however, these staff are often busy with other critical and safety-critical duties. In addition, a significant number of UK rail stations are unstaffed; there is no human presence to deter or prevent trespass.

The Challenge

Northern are keen to understand what solutions there are in the market that will improve how we can:

• Detect and prevent unauthorised persons from accessing the rail network via station platform ends without the need for expensive physical barriers.

• Avoid, or remove, the need for operator staff intervention when trespass is detected.

Solutions will need to:

• Be compliant to any relevant safety regulations.

• Be compliant with data and information security regulations.

• Ensure access is still available for authorised persons

Engagement

Northern would like to invite any suppliers who have innovative solutions to the problem outlined to register their interest to attend two briefing calls hosted by the Innovation Manager & Procurement Manager to explain the requirements in more detail. The briefing calls will be hosted on Teams on 15/01/2026 11.00am - 12.00pm & 27/01/2026 11.00am - 12.00pm for all suppliers to attend. The session will consist of the Innovation Manager giving an overview of the challenges Northern faces in this area. If you are interested in partaking in this briefing call please send an expression of interest to Alex Ashman (alexander.ashman@northernrailway.co.uk)