New technology that warns drivers of approaching trains is under trial by Škoda UK to enhance road safety at level crossings.

The technology warns drivers of approaching trains to enhance road safety at level crossings

Research by the carmaker has found there were 48 near misses between trains and vehicles at level crossings between 2020 and 2021, with a further 621 instances where a vehicle crossed when it was unsafe.

A freedom of information request to Network Rail also revealed there were four collisions between trains and road vehicles at level crossings in Britain in the past year (2021/2022).

The new software is being piloted with Czech railway company Leo Express and uses live train locations transmitted to the cloud to warn drivers of approaching trains. The warning is is shown on the central infotainment display along with a warning spoken audibly, informing the driver to stop.

The new function forms part of the Traffication infotainment app, which already advises UK drivers of severe weather, wrong-way drivers and nearby accidents.

The app is available in all current Škoda models apart from the Enyaq iV, provided the car is equipped with the latest MIB-3 infotainment system.

Advanced warnings can also be provided by and to other Škoda cars using cloud technology to improve customers’ driving experiences. Poor visibility can be identified by other Škoda drivers switching the fog lights on, while drivers can manually report traffic hazards to warn other Škoda drivers in the UK.