South Eastern Railway Trials Flood Warning Cameras at High-Risk Sites

South Eastern Railway has begun trialling new flood warning camera technology at a number of locations identified as particularly vulnerable to severe weather, as part of efforts to improve safety and reliability during periods of heavy rain.

The solar-powered cameras will be installed at five sites considered high risk because of past flooding and the disruption it has caused. The technology, supplied by Vision Link, will provide live visual feeds of track and drainage conditions before, during and after adverse weather. Vision Link already works with organisations including the Environment Agency and Network Rail.

The initial trial locations are Wadhurst, Hildenborough, Lower Sydenham, Sevenoaks and Selling Tunnel, all of which have experienced flooding incidents that affected train performance. Flooding at Wadhurst in October 2024 alone resulted in more than 4,700 minutes of delays and required repeated infrastructure repairs. Cameras have also since been installed at Stonegate.

Each site will be fitted with a dual-camera system that can be accessed via a web browser or mobile app. The cameras will operate around the clock and are capable of issuing early warning alerts, helping track and drainage teams respond more quickly to rising water levels and emerging problems.

South Eastern Railway said the technology supports its wider approach to keeping trains running safely by allowing engineers to assess conditions remotely in real time. During severe weather, live footage will help teams monitor water levels and drainage performance, reducing the likelihood of precautionary line closures. The operator said this will allow for more accurate decision-making, better prioritisation of resources and fewer unnecessary site visits, freeing up staff to focus on maintenance and resilience work.

Installation of the cameras is expected to take place this autumn following demonstrations and site assessments. The trial will help inform whether the technology is rolled out more widely and whether additional flood monitoring tools, such as catchpit sensors and flood level trackers, are introduced. A further six flood warning cameras are expected to be installed in the near future.

Will Shepherd, Senior Network Delivery Manager at South Eastern Railway, said:

“This technology gives us real-time insight into what’s happening on the ground, allowing us to prioritise our response and keep trains moving safely. It’s a smart, scalable solution that supports our wider strategy for climate resilience and operational efficiency. What excites me most is that the cameras don’t just help us react to flooding, they give us the insight to act before it happens. By spotting when the risk of flooding is increasing, we can intervene early and reduce the chance of disruption. Above all, it’s about doing the right thing for our passengers. By improving how we monitor and respond to flooding, we can avoid unnecessary disruption and keep services running - even in challenging conditions. Our teams are committed to making every journey as safe and reliable as possible, whatever the weather.”

Image: South Eastern Railway