Case Studies

Key Highlights

• Integrated CCTV surveillance systems and audio “Help Points”, 

Situation

The company is also committed to improving customer information, particularly at times of disruption. With this in mind, First ScotRail embarked on a project to improve the monitoring of activity at all of its stations and to combine that function with a two-way customer information system, designed to improve customer safety, reduce delays and provide information.
 
A key element of this strategy has been a rolling implementation programme of on-line CCTV surveillance systems and audio “Help Points”, designed to reassure passengers, provide train information and deter crime and vandalism. Pictures from cameras installed at networked stations are digitally compressed and transmitted continuously to First ScotRail-manned Communication Centres, whilst audio links simultaneously provide two-way voice traffic. The scheme has proved highly successful on all counts, according to CCTV Project Manager, Jim Anderson, and with support of the Scottish Government and regional transport partnerships it is expected to be extended from the present 232 Stations to almost 300.

Solution

The phased installation programme has involved ADT Fire and Security since its inception in early 1996, Sensormatic (subsequently acquired by ADT Fire and Security) were responsible for the initial 13-station pilot scheme, which proved the concept and was extended to 32 stations and is now at 240 stations.
 
Subsequently ADT Fire and Security have now installed CCTV systems at 156 stations, and are responsible for the majority of the monitoring equipment within the communications centres.
 
Each station has been equipped with at least one controllable PTZ (pan, tilt and zoom) camera and up to 30-plus fixed units, to enable CCTV surveillance of platform areas, footbridges and subways, access routes and car parks. The cameras are all high resolution ½” CCD models with a sensitivity of 0.4 lux that delivers accurate colour reproduction under adequate light conditions, for optimum detection and identification. The cameras are mounted in vandal-resistant waterproof housings and are alarmed to prevent tampering, with a PTZ unit programmed to respond on any position under threat. The station lighting is timer controlled to switch off half-an-hour after the last train, so passive infra red detectors have been wired into the circuit to activate the lights in the event of an intruder.  
 
A “Help Point” unit is strategically positioned on each platform, providing a two-way speech link with both East and West Coast CCTV Communications Centres. This “Help Point” is contained in a robust, stainless steel housing, offering wind and weather protection, and is fitted with buttons for assistance or information. The Help Points are also fitted and connected with an Induction Loop which provides the assistance to passengers with hearing difficulties, to date ADT have installed 251 devices. When either button is pressed, a PTZ camera is pre-set to focus on the passenger, enabling the operator to monitor the situation and, if necessary, warn off a potential offender by means of the audio transmission system and specially installed loudspeakers.
 
At each site the camera images are recorded on a TCP/IP Digital Video Server with Hard Disk storage up to 1200Gb, the live and recorded images, alarms and audio, are transmitted via network links to the Communications Centres which allow operators to monitor live and recorded incidents and deal with any information queries. The on site information is transmitted from the remote sites to the communication centres using a minimum 256k link rising to 2Mb for some locations over IP technology. This is achieved using a router at either end of the point to point connection which feeds the CCTV Systems.

At the Communications Centre, colour images from each site are displaying remote activity produced by TCP/IP Video Out Codecs and are presented on a dedicated High Definition monitors within a monitor wall. The operator control is facilitated by Control PCs which allows interrogation and display of images from the remote Digital Video Server and allows incidents to be viewed and stored on a centralized Video Server.
 
In the middle of the wall there are two 42 inch LCD screens to allow the Shift Manager to monitor enlarged images from any CCTV site. The announcer uses the second screen to display P2 lists of trains to enable them to monitor train running. The plasmas will also shortly be used to display Tyrell messages which will be sent by the Control Customer Services Managers.
 
The storage of the images and incidents is vital to the working relationship with the British Transport Police and through the connection of all CCTV systems via the control centre, First ScotRail are able to work quickly and efficiently in assisting the BTP with incident investigation and the provision of footage. The network link installed for the CCTV has also enabled us to install Customer Information Systems at Stations.
 
To date ADT have installed 51 Customer Information Systems and are in the process of installing a further 10 systems in the Strathclyde area. The display equipment on the platforms will typically comprise of Single or Double sided clock and next train indicator LED display, or Double sided Next Train Indicator LED displays and 17in and/or 20in ruggedised TFT monitors in the Ticket offices and waiting areas. The display equipment in public areas is housed in suitable ruggedised enclosures.   

Results

“The “Help Points” have contributed markedly to customer communications, by providing a direct speech link with First ScotRail staff, for assistance and information. The CCTV facility has minimised incidents of vandalism and graffiti, as well as acting as an effective intruder deterrent out of service hours and at unmanned stations. At the same time the CCTV facility with combined PA is an excellent deterrent for the misuse of the help point button.
 
ADT has worked together with First ScotRail from the inception of this project and devised appropriate solutions throughout the course of the project, to ensure that communication is fluid throughout the network and that customer and