Drones used in railway trespass crackdown

Drones have proven "highly effective" in responses to incidents, Northern says

Drones with thermal imaging cameras are being used by railway chiefs in an attempt to crack down on trespassing.

Northern, Network Rail and the British Transport Police say they have been working together to keep people off tracks on the Durham Coast Line and the Bishop Line in County Durham following a spike in incidents during the Easter school holidays.

Billingham, Heighington and Stockton were among areas where problems were reported.

Drones were used to catch a young trespasser who threw stones at trains as well as find a trainspotter who was walking along a line to take photographs.

The drones are equipped with thermal imaging cameras to help locate people below

Northern said another incident saw two teenagers, who had been lying down on tracks in Seaton Carew, flee after spotting a drone overhead.

Jason Hamilton, of Network Rail, said their use had proven "highly effective in quickly identifying and responding to trespass incidents".

The drones will now be used during the school summer holidays alongside patrols by rail staff.

Jason Wade, regional director for Northern, warned that railway lines are an "immensely dangerous environment" and said trespassing can have "devastating consequences" while also causing severe disruption for passengers.