Rail passengers urged to avoid train travel in extreme UK heatwave

theguardian.com:

Rail passengers across England and Wales have been urged to only travel if necessary next week, with extreme temperatures forcing blanket speed restrictions across much of the network.

Network Rail said the impact on train services would vary by region, but that journeys would take significantly longer. It said there was a high likelihood of cancellations, delays and last-minute alterations to services on Monday and Tuesday.

Long-distance train journeys, such as London to York, could take four hours instead of two, with trains forced to travel below 60mph for safety.

Vulnerable passengers and those with health conditions should avoid travelling, Network Rail said, while passengers who choose to travel should check if their train is running and ensure they are prepared for the heat with plenty of water to drink. Rail passengers in Scotland should also check their journeys before travelling and take sensible precautions.

Jake Kelly, Network Rail’s system operator group director, said: “Rail passengers in England and Wales should only travel if necessary on Monday and Tuesday as there will be delays and cancellations to train services due to the unprecedented heat we’re expecting.

“Journeys will take significantly longer and delays are likely as speed restrictions are introduced to keep passengers and railway staff safe.

“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’s emergency weather action teams were meeting on Friday to evaluate forecasts showing temperatures could reach 40C, higher than the record of 38.7C in 2019 which caused widespread disruption on the