People across Greater Manchester have been warned not to travel unless necessary during next week’s heatwave.
Earlier today, the Met Office issued its first ever red extreme heat weather warning and heatwave national emergency covering much of England on Monday and Tuesday next week, with temperatures expected to soar past 35c in Manchester.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has now asked people to avoid travelling across the city-region, unless necessary. Those needing to travel have been advised to allow extra time for journeys and to ‘stay hydrated’.
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Metrolink services will continue to operate as normal on Saturday and Sunday, while services will run to a 12 minutes schedule on Monday and Tuesday.
On both days, double-trams will operate in order to provide a reliable service for passengers who need to travel. As high temperatures can cause rail tracks to buckle, TfGM said trams will run at lower speeds.
Sean Dyball, Head of Customer Experience at Transport for Greater Manchester, said: “It’s great to see the sun shining in Greater Manchester, but the extreme heat we are set to experience over the next few days can have a serious impact on both transport services and people’s health.
“Due to the extremely high temperatures expected, we are advising people not to travel during next week’s heatwave – on Monday 18 July and Tuesday 19 July - unless it is necessary.
“If you do need to travel during the heatwave, please make sure you take plenty of water with you to stay hydrated and also allow extra time for your journey – just in case there are any delays on the roads or on the public transport networks.
“I’d also call on passengers to keep an eye out for more vulnerable travellers and offer people a seat if you see them struggling in the hot weather.”
In addition to allowing extra time for journeys, TfGM has also advised public transport users to carry water and a fan with them and travel at quieter times when services are less busy.
Drivers have been advised to check their tyres, make sure they have sunglasses if possible and keep an eye on the temperature of their engine. They should also be aware roads may well be busier and journeys may take longer and never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle – especially infants, young children and animals.
Cyclists and walkers are advised to avoid travelling during the hottest parts of the day – between 11am and 3pm – to stay in the shade, apply sunscreen and take extra care to remain hydrated while on the move.
For more information and the latest travel advice please visit tfgm.com/extreme-weather-warning.
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