Network Rail is tackling the annual autumn challenge of slippery leaves on the tracks with the help of an innovative Aquarius road-rail Land Rover. Each year, falling leaves are crushed under train wheels, forming a slick black layer that can reduce wheel-to-rail friction and interfere with train detection equipment, both notorious causes of delays and safety issues.

While Network Rail operates 67 railhead treatment trains (RHTTs) nationally—spraying 200 million litres of high-pressure water and applying sandite to improve grip—these trains cannot reach every section of track. That’s where the converted Land Rover Defender, affectionately known as the ‘Flon Rover,’ plays a crucial role.

During the rest of the year, the vehicle is part of the North & East route maintenance fleet, transporting staff safely along the railway. In autumn, however, it is repurposed to spray a solution called Interflon OTR, which breaks down leaf debris and prevents track contamination. Covering up to 20 miles per night, the ‘Flon Rover’ visits locations including Goole, Howden, Saltmarshe, Knottingley, Stocksfield, and Strensall. A pump at the front of the vehicle controls the rear nozzles, delivering the solution precisely where it is needed.

Developed in York in collaboration with Aquarius, the ‘Flon Rover’ is used both proactively, according to a seasonal treatment schedule, and reactively in areas where leaf build-up persists. This approach complements the wider autumn maintenance programme across the network.

Rhiannon Jones, signalling maintenance engineer for Network Rail, said:

“We’ve integrated the ‘Flon Rover’ into our seasonal maintenance routine and have been making as much use of it as possible. It’s made a real difference in reducing the number of failures relating to leaves causing problems on the line. It’s part of a huge team effort at this time of year, from inspection and treatment out here on the railway to performance analysis and weather forecasting. Every role contributes to keeping passengers safe and services running smoothly.”

Image: Network Rail