Stoke Junction South Case Study

Following the successful DeterCam deployment at Stoke Junction, Network Rail installed fencing on both sides of a two-mile railway section. Subsequent observations suggested that deer movement shifted towards alternative access points at Stoke Junction South, where three deer–train collisions were reported within less than one month of the fencing installation.

Network Rail approached Innovation Factory to extend DeterCam protection to this location. The deployment focused on identifying deer pathways, deterring access to exposed railway sections and encouraging movement towards alternative crossing routes.

Site inspections identified a long unfenced section that provided easy access to the railway. Extensive signs of deer activity indicated that animals were regularly using these approaches.

The site demonstrated how closing access at one location can shift animal movement towards neighbouring, unprotected sections. Protection therefore needed to consider the wider network of deer pathways, rather than only the immediate collision locations.

A further challenge was to discourage railway crossings while preserving access between habitats. Potential alternatives included a bridge approximately one mile away and a crossing route associated with a nearby water canal.

The team assessed established deer pathways and signs of activity before developing a site-specific installation layout. DeterCam units were positioned along exposed approaches to detect deer and activate audible and visual deterrents before they reached the track.

The arrangement was designed to discourage movement towards the railway while leaving alternative routes accessible. Particular attention was given to encouraging movement towards the bridge and, at another location, towards the canal-associated crossing route.

DeterCam’s on-device AI and event recordings supported targeted activation and the review of animal responses. This allowed the deployment to focus on both immediate deterrence and changes in how deer moved through the surrounding area.

The project aims to reduce deer–train collisions at Stoke Junction South by protecting unfenced access points and encouraging deer to use alternative crossing routes.
It also evaluates how automated deterrence can complement physical fencing, addressing displaced animal movement and helping maintain connections between habitats without directing deer onto the railway.

• 100% Collision Reduction: Zero deer strikes have been reported within the protected areas during their monitored deployments since 30th Jan 2026.

• High-Volume Deterrence: Over 4,300 This figure till (11th October 2026) deer deterrence events have been recorded across the program to date.

• Behavioral Insights: The system tested over 20,000 unique deterrence combinations (visual lights, audible sounds, and ultrasonic frequencies), automatically labeling which alarm profiles were most effective for specific deer species.

Monitoring will focus on continued use of the alternative routes, activity around the unfenced section and any movement towards new hotspots. Findings will guide adjustments to unit positioning and deterrence settings.

Further assessment with Network Rail should confirm that the bridge and canal-associated routes provide suitable crossings, including during changing water levels and seasonal conditions. Reviewing animal movement alongside collision records will help evaluate the combined effectiveness of fencing, DeterCam and alternative crossing provision.