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Thursday 18 Dec 2025

Autumn-related train delays in Scotland reduced by more than a quarter

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Autumn-related train delays in Scotland fell by more than a quarter this year compared with last, according to new figures from Network Rail. 

Between September and November 2025, around 14% of delays were linked to leaf fall and other seasonal challenges, down from 20% during the same period in 2024. This improvement came despite 17 ‘red days’ (severe autumn conditions) and Storm Amy battering Scotland with strong winds and heavy rain.  

Leaves on the railway are the equivalent of black ice on roads. They may seem harmless, but when they land on damp rails and are compressed by train wheels, the heat and weight bake them into a thin, slippery layer. This can affect braking and acceleration, making autumn one of the most challenging times for train performance. 

To tackle the problem, Network Rail invested £6.4m in an autumn treatment programme across Scotland’s Railway.  

The work included deploying specialist leaf-clearing trains known as Rail Head Treatment Trains (RHTTs) and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs) to remove build-up. High-pressure water jets were used to clean rails, while around 155 tonnes of sand was used to improve traction.  

In total, nearly 400 treatment circuits were completed across Scotland, covering 82,000 miles of track. Railway staff worked more than 25,000 hours to keep the network safe and reliable during the autumn period. 

Ross Moran, route director at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Autumn brings unique challenges for Scotland’s railway, and these results show the difference that planning and investment can make. Our teams worked tirelessly to keep services moving safely and reliably, often in difficult conditions, and their efforts have delivered a real improvement for passengers. 

“Seasonal weather will always test the network, and performance overall remains a priority. That’s why we continue to invest in technology and innovation, working closely with ScotRail and other operators to build resilience and deliver the best possible service for customers all year round.” 

Alongside the autumn treatment programme, Network Rail and ScotRail invested £7.7m to upgrade braking systems on more than 70 trains. The new technology automatically adjusts the amount of sand applied between the wheels and the rail based on train speed, improving grip and reducing stopping distances in slippery conditions. 

Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said: “Slippery rails are one of the biggest challenges the railway faces each autumn, and we know how frustrating it can be when leaf fall causes delays or cancellations. 

“These results show that the work and investment made across Scotland’s Railway to reduce the risk of disruption caused by leaves on the line is paying off. 

“As we move into the winter months, we’ll continue to work together with Network Rail to ensure Scotland’s Railway continues to deliver improvements and more reliable journeys for customers.”