London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Rail passengers face slower journeys as extreme heat forces speed limits on two major London routes, with more disruption expected if heat persists.
As reported by The Guardian, the UK heatwave has disrupted rail travel, forcing speed limits on two major lines out of London as increasing heat raises safety concerns on the tracks.
Travellers were warned about extended journey times and service disruption on routes west of London and southbound via the Brighton line amid the ongoing heatwave.
What rail routes are affected by heat-related speed limits?
The Brighton mainline faced speed limits from the weekend through Tuesday, disrupting Southern, Thameslink, and Gatwick Express routes.
At midday on Monday, Network Rail and train companies moved to widen speed limits to include the western mainline, impacting Great Western trains to south-west England and south Wales.
Network Rail said air temperatures above 30 °C can increase track temperatures to 50C, raising the risk of infrastructure failure.
While northern regions escaped the heatwave, rail travel on the west coast mainline between Carlisle and Glasgow faced disruption. The line was blocked after a tree fell on the tracks, halting services in both directions.
GWR’s views on train delays
According to a Great Western Railway representative, trains west of Paddington could face 10-15 minute delays due to speed curbs in the Thames Valley.
Ongoing delays are expected to cause further cancellations, with late Glastonbury travellers likely to face rail disruption as the day progresses.
GWR confirmed that over 6,000 festival attendees were transported from Castle Cary by the operator on Monday morning.
How long will the UK train speed limits stay in place?
Restrictions are in effect until 10 pm Monday. With Tuesday expected to be hotter, officials are likely to impose another day of limits.
The heat has yet to reach the severity of the 2022 wave, when fears of rail buckling led to major delays and speed curbs across England and Wales.
Network Rail’s stance on heatwave disruptions
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.”
They stated,
“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 can work from home, then that may be your best option.”
The rail authorities added,
“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.”
Major rail stations in London
- London Waterloo
- London Victoria
- London Bridge
- London Liverpool Street
- London Paddington
- London Euston
- London King’s Cross
- London St Pancras International
- Clapham Junction
Rail networks serving London
- National Rail
- Elizabeth Line
- Thameslink
- London Overground
- HS1 (High Speed 1)