What are the biggest challenges facing trackside security today?
Trackside security comes with several challenges, but safety is always top of the list and drives most of the activity ExMesh Engineering is involved in within this market, particularly trackside. Balancing the duty of care the network has, while working within operational constraints, is becoming increasingly complex.
Other factors, such as a skilled worker shortage and the operational realities of a trackside environment, where sites are remote with limited or no monitoring and difficult access with tight possession windows, have driven our product development for this market.
In terms of trackside security, and specifically fencing, the challenge is to have a product that safeguards the public and deters crime, while also being easy and quick to install. It’s a difficult design brief to overcome, but at ExMesh Engineering, we believe we’ve addressed this with our Fastrack and Fastrack Trio fencing systems.
Why is trespass and infrastructure protection such a concern for the rail sector?
Safety has always been at the forefront of everything the rail sector does. Trespass remains a significant issue because of the risks it creates for those involved, as well as for the public, train operators and the wider workforce.
The impacts can be far-reaching. Criminal activity linked to trespass, such as vandalism, can lead to delays across the network, disruption to services, and wider operational consequences. Even a single incident can have a knock-on effect beyond the immediate location.
However, beyond these impacts, it’s not just about asset protection, but about preventing harm to individuals. This is what continues to drive the market and ExMesh Engineering to develop solutions that help reduce trespass and vandalism.
What should infrastructure managers be looking for in a trackside fencing system?
The key to making any decision on trackside fencing is down to risk and the risk is always site dependent. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution as some areas require a simple barrier to mark a property boundary, whereas others require a high-security system with integrated monitoring. This is all in relation to the criteria for the security level of the fencing.
In terms of operational considerations and trackside environment conditions, there are some general principles to take into account, whatever level of security system is required. They should prioritise systems that have a long life span, are cost effective and are both easy to install as well as transport trackside.
How does expanded metal mesh differ from more traditional fencing approaches?
Expanded metal mesh, as a material for security fencing, offers a continuous, one-piece construction without welds or weak points, which significantly enhances its strength and resistance to attack. Unlike traditional mesh or palisade systems, it also provides excellent anti-climb characteristics due to its profile. At the same time, it maintains visibility, which is important for both surveillance and safety along the track.
As ExMesh Engineering, systems have been designed specifically with the rail market in mind, they are quick and easy to install and can be raked over undulating and sloping ground. The newer Trio system has reduced panel sizes, making transport to the trackside easier and quicker.
Another issue within the rail environment is ageing assets. As our systems are all hot-dip galvanised, they are designed to last for decades without any reduction in functionality. With the move towards a more maintenance-focused approach across the industry, ExMesh Engineering systems offer a strong alternative to traditional palisade. Any breaches can be identified clearly through quick visual inspection, whereas palisade systems require each pale to be checked individually to confirm it is secure.
How are systems like Fastrack and Fastrack Trio being used in rail environments?
Systems such as Fastrack and Fastrack Trio are typically deployed trackside in higher-risk areas where quick installation is advantageous. We see a strong demand in problem areas, where more traditional systems may have failed. They’re also widely used in areas with difficult access or steep slopes. This is due to the modular nature and smaller panel size, making them easier to move around the site and also the fact that our systems can be raked along slopes.
These and other systems we manufacture are also widely used for asset protection away from trackside, in areas around depots and stations.
How important is independent certification like LPS 1175 for trackside rail?
Independent certification, like LPS 1175, provides verified assurance of a system’s performance against forced entry, which is important where higher levels of security are required along the rail network. It gives specifiers confidence that products have been rigorously tested rather than simply meeting a visual or theoretical standard.
However, across much of the trackside environment, certification is not always a primary requirement. Large sections of the rail network are remote, with limited monitoring and lower risk levels, so the focus is often on practical, durable and easy-to-install solutions.
In more exposed areas, such as bridges, urban sections or locations with higher levels of trespass, certification can play a more important role in supporting safety and protecting infrastructure.
How important are speed and ease of installation in trackside rail projects, and how does this influence system design?
There are two aspects to this, and, as with most things associated with rail, safety and operational efficiency are critical.
The first part is a strong emphasis on planning. We work closely with contractors and project teams to ensure materials are delivered in a way that aligns with installation schedules and site constraints. Ultimately, it’s about reducing complexity on site and ensuring projects run smoothly within tight timeframes.
The second part is the installation itself. Rail projects often operate within very limited access windows, sometimes overnight or during short possessions. A system that can be installed quickly and safely reduces time on track, lowers risk, minimises disruption, and helps reduce overall project costs.
How do you see trackside security evolving over the next few years?
I think the security industry in general is moving towards a greater emphasis on integrated solutions, where physical barriers work alongside detection systems and monitoring technologies as part of a single security approach. For rail, and trackside in particular, this is not always cost-effective, so there is likely to be a continued focus on maintaining existing systems and strengthening problem areas.
We are already seeing increased use of drone technology for surveying trackside, in line with this maintenance-led approach. Our Fastrack systems are well-suited to this, as any breaches can be easily identified and addressed without the need for physical inspection. This saves time, reduces cost, and lowers the risk of personnel needing to walk the line for surveys.
What advice would you give to those reviewing their current perimeter security?
As with any security review, you have to start with risk, which sits alongside wider operational constraints such as budget and safety. With such a large network, it’s important to look at site-specific risks and constraints and take a practical, considered approach.
I would place a strong emphasis on moving away from the standard approach of replacing like-for-like fencing. Instead, assess the actual risks and how the existing perimeter performs against them. The focus should be on selecting a solution that delivers effective, long-term results, while balancing security, cost and operational requirements.
What do you enjoy most about the business development side of your role?
I’ve always enjoyed building relationships and learning about how people operate and their specific hurdles and achievements. I like to be challenged in my understanding and enjoy learning new things from the relationships I build.
However, it’s the problem-solving that is most rewarding. This cannot be separated from relationship building, as this is where you find out and understand the issues that need to be overcome, but to be able to solve a problem for a client is really what gets me up in the morning. Understanding a client’s specific challenges and developing a solution that genuinely adds value is where the enjoyment really is.
What does a typical working week look like for you, and what part of the job do you find most rewarding?
There isn’t really a typical week as no two weeks are quite the same. This is part of what makes the role so engaging and enjoyable. From an external aspect, there’s always a mix of client meetings, site visits, and working closely with project teams to develop solutions that meet specific operational and security requirements.
Then internally, it’s working with the various teams to make sure the solutions we’ve developed run smoothly from specification through to delivery.
I think probably the most rewarding part of the job is seeing those solutions come to life on site. Knowing that what we deliver plays a role in improving safety and protecting critical infrastructure.
