CP campaign calls for more locomotive video, voice recorders

Canadian Pacific launched an awareness campaign that highlights the safety benefits of using inward-facing cameras in locomotives.

The campaign includes a website, which specifies how CP intends to use the technology to reduce risk, improve safety and assist in preventing accidents. The Class I also continues to encourage Canada Minister of Transport Marc Garneau to pass new legislation that would "maximize" the benefits of such technology, according to a CP press release.

In addition, the railroad is prepared to invest in and install the technology, also know as locomotive video and voice recorders, if it can be used to proactively improve safety, CP officials said.

"We are proud to be running the safest railway in North America, but we can always do better and having the ability to use inward-facing cameras allows us to be even safer," said CP President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Creel. "This is a preventative, proactive, behavior-changing tool the industry should have been allowed to use years ago."

CP officials noted that Canada's Transportation Safety Board has been calling on Transport Canada to mandate the technology since 2012.

"This technology would be another tool in the broader package of rules, regulations and our safety management system suite – each of which protects the public, our employees and the goods we transport for our customers," said Creel. "We recognize the need to use this technology in a way that is respectful of our employees, and are committed to doing so."

CP uses inward-facing cameras in 49 of its locomotives in the United States.