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Network Rail: Keeping The UK On Track

Why Network Rail chose MAXA to help deliver a safe and reliable railway for more than 4.5 million customers.

Written by
Vinnie Woollven
Published on
November 10th, 2025

With over 20,000 miles of track, 40,000 bridges, tunnels and viaducts, and thousands of signals, level crossings, and stations to maintain, Network Rail needed a reliable solution to deliver a safe, reliable railway.

Their Challenge

Network Rail needed to improve wheel safety and consistency across a large and varied fleet, while keeping compliance, reliability, and simplicity at the forefront.

  • Safety & Compliance - Maintaining the highest safety standards while meeting strict industry regulations.
  • Inconsistent Indicators - The standard yellow indicators in use didn’t provide a unified or professional look across the fleet.
  • Ease of Use – Drivers needed a simple, quick system to support daily checks without added complexity.
  • Fleet Variety – A diverse mix of vehicles, from small vans to 32-tonne lorries, required a universal solution.
  • Cost Efficiency – The system had to be reliable and affordable, offering long-term value without compromising safety.

Network Rail sought a solution that could provide consistency, reliability, and peace of mind across the fleet.


Find out how MAXA transformed Network Rail’s fleet safety...


The Discovery

MAXA’s Technical Product Specialist connected with Network Rail to understand the challenges and discuss how WheelSentry® could provide the solutions they needed.

After several conversations and product demonstrations, it became clear that WheelSentry® could deliver the simplicity and reliability that Network Rail required.

The MAXA Solution

WheelSentry® was adopted, and the link indicator and retainer systems were made the standard specification on all new vehicles! This provided Network Rail with:

  • Two-In-One Protection - Combined indicator and retainer for both visual checks and physical security.
  • Universal Fit - Suitable for all vehicle types, ensuring consistency across the fleet.
  • Quick To Install - No tools needed, making fitting and replacement fast and straightforward.
  • Built To Last - Tough, reliable materials designed to handle demanding operational conditions.

The Outcome

Following successful trials, WheelSentry® was specified for all new vehicles within Network Rail’s fleet.

MAXA now works closely with bodybuilders and partners, including Hitachi, LeasePlan, and Bri-Stor, to ensure the system is fitted as standard. The collaboration has improved operational safety, reduced maintenance issues, and ensured a consistent visual standard across Network Rail’s fleet.

Network Rail's Thoughts...

“We have worked with WheelSentry since 2017 on the fitment of the products to our range of vehicles, from small vans up to the new 32-tonne lorries.

The product is simple to use, install, and does what it says on the tin - protect the vehicles and staff. Quite simply, the cost of not fitting these outweighs itself against the issues, if a vehicle loses a wheel.”

Stephen Duffy - Senior Delivery Manager, Network Rail


Want a safer, smoother fleet? Drop us a line and join leading operators like Network Rail in choosing WheelSentry® today!