LNER has launched a trial involving sensors telling passengers which seats are occupied, in what it claims is a world first for rail.

Small grey boxes have been installed above seats on LNER trains. Once fully tested, the boxes will show lights that indicate if the seat is available. Green will mean it’s not reserved, amber will mean it is reserved for part of the journey, and red will mean it’s not available.

An LNER spokesman said: “We know how frustrating it can be when you can’t find a seat on a train. That’s why we’re really excited about the Seat sensors we’ve been installing on our trains over the past few months.

“These sensors are part of a new seat reservations system which will allow customers to find a seat far easier and quicker. We’re testing the system throughout August and, if successful, hope to launch in the autumn.”

The sensors have been developed with McLaren Applied Technologies.