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Rail firm says 'do not travel' during heatwave

Jack Hadaway-WellerYork Station
News imageGetty Images A modern high-speed train with a yellow and red front is stopped at a railway platform under a glass and metal station roof. Another long train runs parallel on the right, reflecting the surroundings on its shiny exterior. Platform signs, safety markings, and a worker in bright orange clothing are visible along the station.Getty Images
LNER trains travel on the East Coast Main Line between London King's Cross and Edinburgh Waverley via York

Rail passengers are being advised not to travel on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday amid soaring temperatures.

York-based operator LNER said it would be running a reduced schedule over the next three days and making alterations to some routes, while some journeys may be delayed due to trains having to travel at slower speeds.

It comes as comes as the UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert across parts of northern England and a red alert across the Midlands and southern England.

The operator said the alterations would "particularly affect" services to and from Leeds, as well as services to Lincoln, but anticipated they would be back to normal by the weekend.

News imageBBC/Jack Hadaway-Weller A person in formal attire stands on a railway platform beneath a large metal footbridge. The station features curved tracks, brick buildings, and several passengers moving in the background. Overhead structures, signage, and natural light give the scene a busy, open-air station atmosphere.BBC/Jack Hadaway-Weller
Stuart Thomas said passengers should travel on a different day where possible

A number of other operators have also announced similar alterations, including Northern, which said it would be running a reduced service through until Friday, with temporary speed restrictions in place on some routes.

The amber alert, which covers parts of Yorkshire, runs until Friday, with BBC Yorkshire Climate Correspondent Paul Hudson forecasting temperatures could reach as high as 35C (95F) in some places.

Speaking at York Station, LNER's communications director Stuart Thomas said: "Like all metals, the track expands in the hot weather, as does the electric wires that feed the electricity and that can cause problems.

"We are seeing fewer people on the network today which is great, that's exactly why we have put this warning out.

"We've offered people a refund or they can use the ticket they've already got right through until this coming Tuesday.

"We're certainly hoping by the weekend things will cool down enough that we can get back to a completely normal service."

Meanwhile, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway said it was switching from steam to diesel power on parts of its route because of the weather.

The volunteer-run railway said it has taken the decision because of the increased risk of lineside fires in the heatwave.

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