Ian Sexton, Network Rail’s director of contracts and procurement said: “Our new innovation website provides the industry with more clarity of our innovation priorities, helping suppliers to focus their efforts on developing solutions and more efficient ways of working that meet the demands of a modern, better value railway.”

Steve Yianni, Network Rail’s director of engineering added: “Our aims are to focus our efforts on clear business needs, improved engagement with our supply base, and step up the pace in developing new, and better quality, technology to the railway.”

Each proposal will be assessed by a specially assigned innovation supply chain manager to see whether the idea should be taken forward and developed further.

The website can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/brightideas