SNOW FORECAST BRINGS CAUTION FOR RAIL OPERATORS
Published at 20:04 on Thursday 17th January 2013
Tags: Snow, Weather, SWT, East Coast, EC, Southeastern, Network Rail
During the first substantial snow fall of the winter on 14th January 2013, an unidentified Class 220 passes Copmanthorpe, south of York, with a Cross Country Glasgow to Plymouth service. Paul Braybrook
Updated: 20:04 17th January 2013
Rail operators are warning passengers that heavy snow and icy weather conditions forecast for 18th January are likely to affect train services and they are advising passengers are to check for live travel information before travelling.
A Southeastern spokesman said: "Weather forecasts are predicting moderate to heavy snow to fall across the south east network from early tomorrow morning. We’re reliant on Network Rail clearing the tracks and ensuring points and signals don’t freeze up so we can run a train service. Given the weather forecast, there may be disruption on some routes through the day. Our staff will be out working to clear platforms and treat icy surfaces and Network Rail will be running snow and ice clearance trains day and night to help keep the network open."
East Coast is advising customers who intend to travel tomorrow and over the weekend to check before setting out both with its website, www.eastcoast.co.uk, by following @eastcoastuk on Twitter. In addition, the company is lifting ticket restrictions for East Coast services on 18th January, for all journeys on its trains which arrive in, or depart from, London King’s Cross after 10.00, and encouraging customers wherever possible to travel before 18.00 tomorrow, as heavier snowfalls are predicted after that time.
An East Coast spokesman said: “We are constantly monitoring predicted weather conditions along our route, and the latest information we have is that heavier snowfalls are expected between Peterborough and the North East tomorrow afternoon and evening.Short notice changes to services are expected to occur, and these may also affect seat reservations on specific trains.
With a severe weather warning of heavy snow having been issued for South West England on 18th January, which includes the South West Trains network area. Jake Kelly, Customer Service Director for the South West Trains-Network Rail Alliance, said: “With severe weather warnings in place for heavy snow on our network, we have taken the decision to put a special timetable in place for Friday 18 January. This timetable helps ensure this by running slightly fewer services and allowing more time for trains to cope with poor conditions. In addition, it allows us to avoid train crew being in the wrong place which can cause further disruption." Services have been amended on most routes, although Ascot to Ash Vale, Salisbury to Bristol and Virginia Water to Weybridge will have no service at all. SWT are advising people to follow their twitter feed at @SW_Trains.
Southern has also announced it will be operating its emergency timetable on 18th January, which means fewer trains are operating, but places additional emphasis on providing a reliable timetable for travellers. While normal services operate on most routes, there are amendments. Full details and downloadable PDFs can be found on its website.
Eurostar says speed restrictions on its international services will be in place within England and Northern France. The 06:50 and 14:04 London St Pancras International to Brussels Midi and 08:52 and 17:56 return services have been cancelled for 18th January. The company will be using the twitter hashtag #snoweurostar to keep customers updated.
Greater Anglia are advising passengers that speed restrictions may be required tomorrow to minimise the risk of falling snow being drawn into the electric motors which power the trains, which can then melt causing disruption to services and damage to the train which can take a number of weeks to repair. A small number of early morning cancellations have been advised for 18th January, from Clacton on Sea, Southend Victoria, Cambridge, Witham, Chelmsford, Broxbourne, Cheshunt, Enfield Town and Hertford East. The company says other trains will be making additional stops to compensate, and that passengers should visit its website on the day for to date details.
West Coast and West Midlands operator London Midland is expecting to operate a normal service through the day, although like all operators, they are advising passengers to allow extra time for journeys. Any changes will be notified through their twitter feed @LondonMidland or on the Live running information web page. The company's Head of Franchise Management, Nicola Moss, said, " We're expecting significant snowfall over the coming days, but we will be working hard to run as many trains as possible for our passengers."
All passengers are also being advised to wear warm clothing, to ensure mobile ‘phones are fully charged and to carry a hot drink with them in case of unforeseeable delays.
National Rail are keeping passengers updated through a dedicated page.
