The apparatus (10) has a sensor (26) for detecting the crossing of a vehicle axle and generation of crossing signals, and a transmission unit (30) for transmitting the crossing signals to an evaluation unit. Another sensor is provided for detecting the crossing of the vehicle axle, which is arranged spaced from the former sensor in the longitudinal direction of the track (14). A timer is provided, with which the point of time of crossing of the vehicle axle over the sensors or the time interval of the crossing between the sensors is determined. An independent claim is included for a method for operating an apparatus for detecting conditions on track sections.
