Artificial intelligence used to deter deer from rail lines and reduce trains disruption

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used to deter deer from railway lines as part of an "innovative" new system which is expected to reduce disruption to train services for passengers.

The automated deer deterrent system (Adds), developed by train operator LNER in partnership with Network Rail, uses sound and vision sensors to identify when a deer approaches the tracks.

This activates a variety of audible and visual alarms aimed at persuading the animal to head away from the railway.

An AI camera monitors its movement until it has been diverted to a safe location.

The system has been successfully tested along a mile of track between Peterborough and Grantham, LNER said.

The Adds system has deterred an average of 50 deer per week since the start of testing in May, the rail firm added.

Around eight incidents of deer being hit by trains in the trial area would have been expected in that period, but only one has been reported.

The system is now set to be rolled out to other sections of the East Coast Main Line, which stretches between London King's Cross and Edinburgh.

LNER chief digital and innovation officer, Danny Gonzalez, said: "Our first deployment of this innovative system to deter deer has quickly proven that the solution can save time, stress and, most importantly, deer.

"At such a busy time of year for travel, we are proud to have developed a novel approach that has not only supported LNER, but also the many other train operators who, along with their customers, have also benefitted from a reduction in deer strikes along the East Coast Main Line."

Network Rail route engineer Jo Priestly called the trial "very positive" and said the project would help to "better protect deer" and reduce disruption and delays for passengers.

Traditional methods of deterring deer from railway tracks have included train-mounted whistles - which are unreliable - and high fencing, which is costly.

Some deer will also try to outrun a train along the track rather than jump out of the way, often resulting in collisions.