UIC Leaflet 757: The International Standard for Railway Video Surveillance

What is UIC Leaflet 757?

UIC Leaflet 757 is the international guideline titled “Small-circuit television (CCTV) at stations and on rolling stock.” It serves as the primary technical and operational reference for implementing video monitoring systems across the global rail network.

In modern rail operations, CCTV is no longer just a recording tool; it is an integrated safety and security component. UIC 757 provides the framework for ensuring that video systems are effective for Passenger Safety, crime prevention, and operational monitoring (such as platform gap surveillance) while maintaining technical Interoperability between different rail operators.

Core Objectives and Applications

The leaflet addresses two distinct but interconnected environments:

• On-Board Systems (Rolling Stock): Requirements for cameras inside passenger saloons, vestibules, and driver cabs. It focuses on vibration resistance, storage duration, and real-time streaming capabilities to the OCC (Operations Control Center).
• Infrastructure Systems (Stations): Guidelines for covering critical areas such as platforms, ticket halls, and dark corners. It emphasizes the “Detection, Recognition, and Identification” (DRI) criteria.
• Operational Use: Standards for using CCTV to assist in “Dispatching” (ensuring the doors are clear before departure) and for post-incident forensic investigation.

Technical Requirements for Digital Video

UIC 757 establishes parameters to ensure that video footage is of evidentiary quality:

• Resolution and Frame Rate: Defines the minimum quality needed for facial recognition vs. general crowd flow monitoring.
• Lighting and Environment: Standards for camera performance in low-light (tunnels/night) and high-contrast (station entrances) environments.
• Data Retention and Security: Guidelines on how long footage should be stored and how to protect it from unauthorized access or tampering.

Comparison: Analog vs. Digital (UIC 757 Compliant) Systems

Legal and Ethical Considerations (Data Privacy)

A critical aspect of UIC 757 is its alignment with privacy laws such as GDPR in Europe. The leaflet provides guidelines on “Privacy by Design,” including the use of signage to inform passengers of surveillance and the strict protocols required for handling personal data to ensure the system remains a tool for security without infringing on civil liberties.