AI technology has saved nearly 6,000 deer from crossing busy rail routes in England. Installed at key points, this system uses cameras and alarms to protect both animals and passengers, preventing accidents and delays. The system is expanding and aims to improve safety for all.

In a remarkable effort to protect wildlife and prevent accidents, AI technology is now helping to keep deer away from busy railways in England. Since the start of 2023, this clever system has successfully stopped almost 6,000 deer from wandering onto train tracks, making the railways safer for both animals and passengers.

Network Rail and train company LNER have been using this advanced technology to keep deer away from the railways. The system was first installed at Stoke Junction, near Stoke-on-Trent, in May 2023. After seeing how well it worked, they expanded it to Little Bytham, near Grantham, in December 2023.

So, how does this high-tech deer deterrent system work? It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to spot when a deer is coming close to the tracks. When the system detects a deer, it activates loud alarms and bright lights to scare the deer away. This helps prevent the deer from getting too close to the tracks, where they could be in danger. The system also keeps track of the deer's movement with cameras, making sure it safely moves away from the area.

Johanna Priestley, a route engineer for Network Rail, explained why this technology is so important. She said that railways can be dangerous places for animals, and the new system helps protect both the animals and the people who use the trains. The goal is to keep everyone safe and ensure that no deer gets hurt.

During the trial period, the results were impressive. At Little Bytham, the system prevented 2,765 deer from crossing the tracks. At Stoke Junction, it kept 3,147 deer away. The system uses special sensors that can detect when a deer is near and then triggers the alarms to keep it away.

Before this technology was introduced, animals on the railways were a common issue. On average, there were about four animal-related incidents each day, according to Network Rail. In the year leading up to the end of March, there were 1,432 such reports. Deer were involved in 349 of these incidents, making them the most frequent animals to cause problems on the tracks. Other animals like sheep, birds, cows, and swans also caused incidents, but deer were the most common.

The number of deer in the UK has been rising steadily over the years. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs estimates that the deer population has grown from 450,000 in the 1970s to around two million today. This is the highest number of deer the UK has seen in 1,000 years. Factors like milder winters, more woodlands, and changes in farming practices have contributed to this increase.

The new AI technology is part of a larger effort to make railways safer for everyone. By using this advanced system, the goal is to reduce accidents and delays caused by animals on the tracks. It also helps to protect wildlife, ensuring that animals like deer are not harmed while trying to cross the railway.

Looking ahead, the success of this trial means that the AI deterrent system will likely be rolled out to more railway locations in the future. The aim is to cover more areas and continue improving safety for both passengers and wildlife. With these advancements, the railways will become safer places for everyone, and the risk of accidents involving animals will be greatly reduced.

In summary, the AI technology being used on England's railways is making a big difference. By keeping nearly 6,000 deer away from the tracks, it is helping to prevent accidents and ensuring that both animals and people stay safe. This technology represents a significant step forward in the ongoing effort to balance safety and wildlife protection.

The next time you hear about a new technology, remember that it might be saving lives and making our world a better place. For now, this high-tech deer detective system is proving that innovation can help protect nature while keeping our railways safe and efficient.