South Eastern Railway is taking proactive steps to tackle the growing challenge of extreme weather by trialling innovative flood warning camera technology at five high-risk locations across Kent. The aim? To keep trains running safely and reliably during severe conditions.
The solar-powered cameras, supplied by Vision Link—a trusted partner already working with the Environment Agency and Network Rail—will provide live visual monitoring of track and drainage conditions before, during, and after adverse weather events. This real-time insight will help track and drainage teams make faster, better-informed decisions, reducing disruption and improving passenger experience.
Targeting Flood Hotspots
The five trial sites—Wadhurst, Hildenborough, Lower Sydenham, Sevenoaks, and Selling Tunnel—were chosen based on historic flooding incidents and their impact on train performance. In October 2024, flooding at Wadhurst alone caused over 4,700 minutes of delay and required multiple infrastructure repairs. Cameras have also since been installed at Stonegate to strengthen monitoring.
Each location will feature a dual-camera system accessible via web browser or mobile app. Offering 24/7 monitoring and early warning alerts, the technology enables teams to respond proactively to rising water levels and potential drainage issues.
Supporting a Wider Resilience Strategy
This initiative forms part of South Eastern Railway’s broader strategy to keep trains moving safely by enabling remote, real-time assessments of high-risk sites. During severe weather, engineers can monitor water levels and drainage performance without needing to visit the site—helping avoid unnecessary line closures. This means more accurate decisions, better prioritisation, and resources focused where they’re needed most. By reducing routine site visits, the cameras also free up capacity to tackle maintenance backlogs and strengthen operational resilience.
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.”**
Next Steps
The cameras are scheduled for installation this autumn following successful demonstrations and site assessments. The trial will inform decisions on wider rollout and additional flood monitoring features, such as catchpit sensors and flood level trackers. Another six flood warning cameras are expected to follow soon.
Image credits: Network Rail
