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15 March 2005 - Microwave Technology
Detects Rail Obstructions
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A new microwave technology for detecting obstructions on railway
tracks, used in the United States of America (USA), is being advocated by the
Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF).
With 80 trains in the UK having collisions with track
obstructions each day, as reported by ASLEF, application of the new technology
in the UK would be of great benefit in reducing potential obstruction disasters.
Acting General Secretary explains the new technology:
“The technology exists to enable transponders to be placed on
rails that can ‘read’ an obstruction on the track. It is in use in the USA, and
its introduction is vital if we are to avoid future unnecessary rail disasters.
Accidents of the type that killed one of our members this year when a car was
parked on an unmanned level crossing can be made a thing of the past. It is
criminal irresponsibility to ignore available technology.”
The microwave technology measures distance and velocity of an
obstruction on the railway line, by means of a "track obstruction sensor".
A strobe light then flashes, warning the train driver to take the necessary
appropriate action for prevention of a collision.
The new technology was the brainchild of a Mr. Joe O'Conner of
O'Conner Engineering incorporated in Tennessee USA.
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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