British Transport Police Unveil Revolutionary ‘Drone in a Box’ System
The British Transport Police (BTP) have smashed new ground as the UK’s first force to roll out an innovative ‘drone in a box’ remote operation system. This cutting-edge tech is set to boost public safety and slash disruptions on the railway network.
Game-Changing Rail Safety Tech
The new drone system will:
- Enable lightning-fast responses to incidents across the rail network
- Sharpen real-time decision-making and situational awareness
- Free up frontline officers for crucial policing tasks
- Pinpoint hotspots with high trespassing and disruption rates
Drones are stationed strategically across the network and flown remotely from BTP’s London control room, offering rapid, flexible coverage.
Beyond Visual Range: Police Drone First
Unlike typical drones restricted to about 500 metres within Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), BTP has secured legal authorisation to operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) under State Aircraft legislation. This marks the first routine police use of BVLOS technology in the UK, not just emergency scenarios.
BVLOS lets BTP cover vast areas and respond far more efficiently to incidents than ever before.
Industry Launch and Collaboration
A launch event in Leeds put the spotlight on this milestone system with key industry players including Network Rail, the Department for Transport, NPCC Drones, West Yorkshire Police, Northern Rail, and the British Transport Police Authority.
Chief Constable Lucy D’Orsi said: “Our new ‘drone in a box’ capability is transformational. It allows us to save the industry money, improve safety, and keep the railway moving for passengers. It’s a fantastic example of how BTP is shaping the future of policing.”
Looking Ahead
BTP plans to expand the drone technology across the wider rail network in close partnership with industry stakeholders. The goal: keep the public safer, cut operational disruptions, and push policing to a modern edge.
