AI cameras drive down Dingwall trespass but safety message remains

Efforts to tackle unsafe behaviour at two level crossings in Dingwall are being stepped up this week, as new figures reveal the scale of dangerous trespass on this part of the railway. 

Network Rail and British Transport Police (BTP) are renewing calls for people to stay safe as part of International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD) on 9 June. 

It comes after CCTV footage released by Network Rail last year showed a series of alarming incidents in Dingwall, with people captured walking along the railway bridge over the River Peffery and using the tracks as a shortcut between crossings. The footage highlighted how often people were putting themselves at risk, prompting renewed safety warnings and calls for action to prevent a potential tragedy. 

Since then, measures have been introduced to better understand and tackle the issue. Data from June 2025 showed an average of five trespass incidents a day, with people using the bridge as a shortcut between Dingwall Canal North and South crossings. 

Following the introduction of AI-powered DeterTech cameras incidents have reduced. The system detects when someone leaves the designated route, issues an audio warning, and sends live images to Network Rail and BTP to enable a rapid response. 

Network Rail has also installed new anti-trespass signage on routes leading to both crossings, alongside targeted safety campaigns and minor improvements to further discourage unsafe behaviour. 

Despite these improvements, trespass incidents are starting to rise again as the weather improves, with a further increase expected during the school holidays. 

Rachel Shaw, head of Operational Safety at Network Rail, said: “While we’ve seen a big drop in trespass at Dingwall, even one incident is too many. The railway is not a shortcut, trains can’t stop quickly or swerve out of the way. 

“What might seem like a quick decision can have devastating consequences, not just for the person involved but for their loved ones and railway staff too. We’re urging everyone to use crossings properly and stay off the tracks.

 Inspector Ashley Forbes, British Transport Police, said: “We’re still seeing worrying levels of trespass at this location in Dingwall, despite the very real dangers. 

“Going onto the railway is illegal and extremely dangerous. Trains are quieter than people think and can’t always stop in time. 

“We’re working closely with Network Rail to tackle this through both enforcement and education. Cameras are in place, and clear signage shows people the safe routes to take. 

“Anyone caught trespassing could face prosecution. We’d urge everyone to stick to designated crossings and follow safety signs at all times.” 

The work at Dingwall forms part of a wider programme across Scotland for International Level Crossing Awareness Day. Similar activity is taking place at South Kessock, Cornton, Cleghorn and Logan’s Road, where unsafe behaviour has also been recorded. 

It follows recent incidents at South Kessock and supports Network Rail’s No Second Chances campaign, which highlights how a moment’s distraction at a level crossing can have life-changing consequences.