Speed restrictions imposed on two main train lines amid UK heatwave

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"UK Train Services Face Speed Restrictions Due to Heatwave"

Speed restrictions imposed on two main train lines amid UK heatwave analysis cover image The Guardian 8.7
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/30/speed-restrictions-train-lines-uk-heatwave
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TruthLens AI Summary

The ongoing heatwave in southern Britain has led to the imposition of speed restrictions on two major train lines originating from London. As temperatures soared, particularly on the tracks, rail services faced significant disruptions. Passengers traveling west from London Paddington and south on the Brighton mainline were advised to check their travel plans, as they could experience longer journeys and potential cancellations. The restrictions were implemented over the weekend and were set to affect services from Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express through Monday and Tuesday. Network Rail extended these restrictions to the western mainline, primarily impacting Great Western Railway services to the southwest and south Wales. The extreme heat, with track temperatures reaching 50 degrees Celsius due to air temperatures exceeding 30 degrees, posed an increased risk of rail failures, prompting these safety measures.

In light of the speed restrictions, delays of 10 to 15 minutes were anticipated on most trains, which could lead to further disruptions and cancellations throughout the day. The situation was particularly concerning for those returning from the Glastonbury festival, with GWR reporting that they had already transported over 6,000 festival-goers from Castle Cary station on Monday morning. The restrictions were scheduled to remain in place until 10 PM on Monday, with forecasts indicating that temperatures might rise again on Tuesday, potentially extending the limitations. Network Rail and train operators emphasized that these measures were necessary for passenger safety, urging travelers to bring water and seek assistance if feeling unwell. While northern England and Scotland were spared from the heatwave's effects, some services, such as those on the west coast mainline, were disrupted due to a fallen tree blocking the line, further complicating the travel situation for many passengers.

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Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jun/30/speed-restrictions-train-lines-uk-heatwave

Theheatwavehas started to have an impact on rail services in parts of southern Britain, with speed restrictions imposed on two main lines out of London due to soaring temperatures on the tracks.

Passengers have been urged to check before travelling and warned to expect longer journeys and possible cancellations on routes west from London Paddington and south of the capital on theBrightonmainline.

Restrictions were put in place at the weekend for the Brighton mainline through Monday and Tuesday, affecting Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express services.

Network Rail and train operators decided at midday on Monday to extend the speed restrictions to the western mainline, affecting primarily Great Western trains running to the south-west and south Wales.

According to Network Rail, thetemperatures exceeding 30Ctranslate into 50C heat on the track, increasing the risk of failure.

The speed restrictions imposed west of Paddington through the Thames valley area are likely to mean a 10- to 15-minute delay on most trains, according to a GWR spokesperson.

The compounding delays are likely to mean disruption and cancellations as the day goes on. StragglingGlastonbury returneescould be caught in the delays. GWR said it had already picked up more than 6,000 festivalgoers from Castle Cary station on Monday morning.

Restrictions are in place until 10pm on Monday. With temperatures on Tuesday expected to nudge higher, railway managers are likely to confirm speed restrictions for a further day.

The heat has yet to reach theextremes of three years ago, when services across England and Wales were disrupted and under speed restrictions amid fears that rails would buckle.

A spokesperson for Network Rail and the train operators said: “With temperatures set to soar as forecast by the Met Office, speed restrictions have to be imposed across large parts of the network to ensure everyone’s safety.

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“We’re sorry but this means we won’t be able to run as many trains as normal and journeys will take longer. Trains that are running will also be much busier. If you are able to work from home then that may be your best option.

“If you do take the train then please remember to take a bottle of water, and if you begin to feel unwell, seek help at the next station and speak to station staff. Pulling emergency alarms onboard may delay us getting help to you.”

While passengers in northern England andScotlandhave escaped the heat, those hoping to take the west coast mainline north of Carlisle to and from Glasgow have been unable to travel after a tree fell and blocked the line.

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Source: The Guardian