Network Rail deploys ‘human-hunting drones’ to pursue track trespassers delaying Britain’s trains

Additional future plans could see drones hovering on the lookout for collapsed trees, lineside fires and animals on the track.

Network Rail is working with two specialist firms, Dronecloud and Drone Major, to secure “beyond visual line of sight” capabilities.

Dronecloud is conducting trials in Birmingham, providing aerial coverage within 6 miles of the city centre, alongside tests in rural South Wales.

Meanwhile, Drone Major is testing its system in Wolverhampton and on the Severn Valley Railway.

Both companies are deploying ground-based sensors and satellite positioning to control the craft.

Dronecloud said flying distances would be increased incrementally at a pace dictated by the CAA.

The drones could also undertake track-inspection tasks, reducing risks to rail workers – and Network Rail’s £2billion annual monitoring bill.

Network Rail will continue using two helicopters for remote Scottish Highland lines and London operations, it said.