Network Rail told passengers on Wales online to travel only if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday, as a red extreme heat warning is set to disrupt rail services across much of Britain. Jake Kelly said people should check before travelling on Tuesday and only move if they must in the red warning zone.
Kelly, Network Rail’s deputy chief executive, said: “Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first. We’re asking passengers to check before travelling on Tuesday, and only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday if they are going to, from or within the red warning zone as temperatures are expected to peak.” He added: “If you do need to travel in this area or outside of it where it will still be hot, please plan ahead, allow extra time and take necessary precautions, such as carrying water, to stay safe. We thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this period.”
Network Rail and the red zone
The Met Office has issued the red extreme heat warning for Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures forecast to rise to 37C across most of southern England and Wales over the next three days and to 40C in the most affected areas. Network Rail said the red zone is likely to include services on most mainlines from London, while intercity trains from London to Birmingham, Manchester and beyond are expected to be among the worst affected.
The warning is not only about comfort. Extreme temperatures can make steel rails expand and buckle, overhead wires sag or break, and signalling and electrical systems overheat and fail. Network Rail said speed restrictions will be imposed.
Chiltern Railways and LNER
Chiltern Railways has already cancelled more than half of its normal timetable, and all of its services fall within the red zone. Michael Stewart, its commercial director, said: “We strongly advise you to avoid travelling over the next three days if possible. Trains are running at greatly reduced levels to ensure everyone’s safety, which means you may experience significant delays and very busy conditions.”
Stewart also told passengers: “If you do need to travel, please stay safe. Check your journeys on the morning you travel as planners are still being updated and carry a bottle of water with you at all times.” LNER has also told passengers it strongly recommends that they do not travel on Wednesday or Thursday.
Bedford disruption continues
The heat warning lands while the Midland mainline is still affected after the fatal collision on Friday between two EMR trains at Bedford, which killed a train driver and injured about 100 passengers. Investigations and repair work are expected to continue and limit services for the rest of the week.
There will be no rail replacement bus services during this period, so passengers who do need to travel must rely on reduced rail services and check journeys on the morning they leave. For anyone heading into or through the red warning zone, the practical answer is simple: keep travel plans flexible and expect the timetable to stay tight while the heat and the Bedford repairs overlap.
