Intelligent CCTV trialled at Sheffield station

24 Aug 07

An intelligent CCTV system is being trialled at Sheffield station to help detect suspect packages and improve passenger safety.

Midland Mainline is the first train operator to trial the solution, which was developed by IT service provider Atos Origin in collaboration with seven other companies.

Integrating on-station and remote alerts, remote management and secure information storage, the system should allow staff to prevent crime and dangerous situations in real-time.

Garry Raven, Managing Director of Midland Mainline said, “Intelligent CCTV technology is so sophisticated it can detect whether a passenger is standing too close to the platform edge, if someone has had a fall, if any luggage has been abandoned or even if a wall has been defaced by graffiti or fly-posting.”

The first phase of the trial will focus on suspect packages, passenger flow control, crime reductions and loitering.

“Intelligent CCTV technology is so sophisticated it can detect whether a passenger is standing too close to the platform edge, if someone has had a fall, if any luggage has been abandoned or even if a wall has been defaced by graffiti or fly-posting.”

Gary Raven, Managing Director, Midland Mainline

“We are confident that this new approach will ensure our passengers feel safer, especially at night, and that it will lead to a reduction in crime at stations. When an incident does occur, our staff will be able to respond much more quickly, giving us a far better chance at catching the perpetrators and obtaining a successful conviction,” said Raven.

The technology incorporates software that continuously searches for specific incidents and automatically alerts station staff to events, allowing them to respond to incidents more quickly and eliminating the need for a round-the-clock monitoring centre.

Nick Kaimakami, Atos Origin’s Business Development Manager said, “We are delighted to be working with Midland Mainline on this innovative solution.”

Verint, ADT, EMC, HP, 802 Global, Global Crossing and Object Video all helped to develop the system, which will be trialled until November 2007.