 class 153 visual inspection units we have been working with network rail to convert ex passenger class 153 trains into a transformational switches and crossings train borne monitoring service this is supporting a new path for safe inspection of assets meaning engineers can dial up inspections and decision making from a desktop and reduce time spent on track the visual inspection units means that on foot inspections of switches and crossings can be reduced by up to 50% with an expected 3 900 hours fewer boots on ballast in a year for one delivery unit alone this project won the safety achievement of the year category at the national rail awards in 2023 