Rail bosses are telling passengers in England and Wales to stay away from train services if the record-breaking temperatures forecast from Monday July 18 materialise — and only to travel if absolutely necessary.
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat in the east of England, the Midlands and parts of the North West on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures predicted to reach as high as 40°C in some areas, including London. An amber warning is in place across the rest of England, Wales and some parts of southern Scotland.
The temperatures will mean speed restrictions on railway lines to ensure the safe running of trains. The impact on services will vary by region, but journeys will take longer, with cancellations highly likely, plus delays and last-minute alterations, say chiefs at Network Rail, the body responsible for the railway infrastructure in England, Scotland and Wales.
Passengers who decide to travel despite the warnings are being advised to their journeys before setting out and to ensure they are well-prepared for the extreme conditions. Network Rail is advising commuters to wear cool clothes, take handheld fans and have plenty of water to drink. The organisation also advises vulnerable passengers and those with health conditions to avoid travel on these days. Passengers in Scotland are also being asked to check their journeys before travelling and take sensible precautions.
Jake Kelly, Network Rail’s System Operator group director, said: “The wellbeing of our passengers is our first priority so we’re asking all passengers who decide to travel to take time to prepare before leaving the house. Remember to bring a water bottle with you, along with whatever else you need to keep yourself well in the heat. Water bottles can be refilled free at most Network Rail managed stations.
“Journeys will take significantly longer and delays are likely as speed restrictions are introduced to keep passengers and railway staff safe, so make sure to allow considerably more time to complete your journey and be prepared for very hot conditions. We’re working closely with MetDesk to monitor forecasts and adapt our plans, and with our train operator colleagues to make sure we can get passengers who need to travel to their destinations safely.”
Network Rail says it has specialists and response teams ready for deploying across the country to mitigate the impact of extreme conditions, but passengers are likely to experience disruption if current forecasts are realised. Steel rails absorb heat easily and tend to be around 20 degrees above the surrounding air temperature. When steel becomes very hot it expands and rails can bend, flex and, in serious cases, buckle.
Overhead electric lines that power trains in some parts of the country are also susceptible to faults in extreme temperatures when the steel wires overheat, which can cause them to hang too low and increase the risk of getting caught on passing trains, knocking out the electricity supply.
Jac Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “During hot weather, it’s really important to carry water with you to avoid dehydration. If you start to feel ill, please get off at the next available station and seek help from a member of staff.
“Please allow extra time for your journey on the affected days as speed restrictions can cause delays and cancellations – particularly over longer distances – and check the train running information before you set off.”
Passengers are advised to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operators.
For more information on how Network Rail deals with the hot weather click here.
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