As extreme heat grips England, rail operator LNER has advised passengers to avoid travel on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. The company is reducing services and implementing speed restrictions due to track expansion caused by high temperatures, which can lead to delays and cancellations.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert for northern England and a red alert for the Midlands and southern regions, indicating serious health risks. With temperatures potentially reaching 35C (95F), the situation is prompting other operators, such as Northern, to also reduce services.
LNER’s communications director, Stuart Thomas, noted that the heat affects not only train schedules but also the safety of the rail infrastructure. Passengers are encouraged to reschedule their journeys or seek refunds, with hopes that services will return to normal by the weekend.
Additionally, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is switching from steam to diesel engines to mitigate fire risks associated with the heat. This shift highlights the broader impact of the heatwave on transport and safety across the region.
Source: BBC News
