Planning

Rail Trespass Prevention - Market Engagement

NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

04 Dec 2025 at 10:55

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by Northern Trains Limited involves an engagement opportunity for innovative solutions under the title "Rail Trespass Prevention - Market Engagement." This project falls within the industry category of surveillance and security systems and devices, and is located in the UK regions of UKC and UKD. Currently in the planning stage, the process includes a market engagement notice inviting suppliers to participate in briefing calls on the 15th and 27th of January 2026. The deadline for expressing interest in these briefing sessions is set for February 27, 2026, while the contract period is slated from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2027. This procurement aims to address challenges related to unauthorised rail trespass, enhancing the safety and efficiency of rail operations without the need for costly physical barriers.

This tender represents a significant business opportunity for companies specialising in surveillance and security technology. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that develop innovative security solutions compliant with safety and data regulations are particularly well-suited to compete. Potential suppliers have the chance to offer solutions that improve the detection and prevention of unauthorised access to railway platforms, providing value through advanced systems that eliminate the need for staff intervention and cumbersome physical barriers. Engaging in this process could not only lead to new revenue streams but also establish partnerships and recognition within the rail transport sector in the United Kingdom.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Rail Trespass Prevention - Market Engagement

Notice Description

Background For authorised persons, station platforms can act as essential access points to the network allowing Network Rail and contractors to walk safely to signalling equipment and other line side assets. Unfortunately, they can also act as access points for unauthorised people who use platform ends as a means to trespass. Trespass on UK railways from April 2023 - March 2024 resulted in 908,000 delay minutes across over 1900 incidents, directly impacting our customers , representing a 15% increase on the previous year. Those who trespass are putting themselves and others at risk; in the same period, there were 10 deaths on mainline rail as a result of trespass. Trespassers come from a range of demographics, but are primarily young people between 12 and 20 years old, and adult males. Traditional means of keeping unauthorised persons from walking off the platform end include the use of gates and anti-trespass panels (sometimes known as "witches' hats"). They present a physical barrier that can be easily bypassed. They are also expensive to install and maintain due to the required safety regulations when working on or near the line, and for planning and materials. In staffed stations, the presence of staff can act as a deterrent; however, these staff are often busy with other critical and safety-critical duties. In addition, a significant number of UK rail stations are unstaffed; there is no human presence to deter or prevent trespass. The Challenge Northern are keen to understand what solutions there are in the market that will improve how we can: * Detect and prevent unauthorised persons from accessing the rail network via station platform ends without the need for expensive physical barriers. * Avoid, or remove, the need for operator staff intervention when trespass is detected. Solutions will need to: * Be compliant to any relevant safety regulations. * Be compliant with data and information security regulations. * Ensure access is still available for authorised persons

Planning Information

Northern would like to invite any suppliers who have innovative solutions to the problem outlined to register their interest to attend two briefing calls hosted by the Innovation Manager & Procurement Manager to explain the requirements in more detail. The briefing calls will be hosted on Teams on 15/01/2026 11.00am - 12.00pm & 27/01/2026 11.00am - 12.00pm for all suppliers to attend. The session will consist of the Innovation Manager giving an overview of the challenges Northern faces in this area. If you are interested in partaking in this briefing call please send an expression of interest to Alex Ashman (alexander.ashman@northernrailway.co.uk)

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05ee8d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/079636-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

35 - Security, fire-fighting, police and defence equipment

CPV Codes

35120000 - Surveillance and security systems and devices

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Dec 2025Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
27 Feb 20263 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Apr 2026 - 30 Apr 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NORTHERN TRAINS LIMITED
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@northernrailway.co.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
YORK
Postcode
YO1 6JT
Post Town
York
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE2 North Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE21 York
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England)
Local Authority
York
Electoral Ward
Micklegate
Westminster Constituency
York Central

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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