Media centre

Thursday 29 Oct 2020

Passengers warned of West Coast main line disruption due to heavy rain today

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

• Safety speed limits will be imposed on trains in Lancashire and Cumbria
• Passengers should check before travelling with journeys on the West Coast main line taking longer
• Ensuring the safety of passengers and railway staff is Network Rail's priority

Passengers travelling through Lancashire and Cumbria are being warned of slower-than-usual journeys and travel disruption with heavy rain forecast on Thursday 29 October.

To keep passengers and railway staff safe, speed restrictions for trains will be in place on West Coast main line services running through Preston and also on the Settle to Carlisle line in Cumbria.

The safety speed measures will be in place between 10.30am on Thursday 29 October and 7am on Friday 30 October.

This will impact all services running to and from Scotland. Passengers are being advised to check before they travel at www.nationalrail.co.uk and with train operators TransPennine Express, Northern and Avanti West Coast to see how their journeys could be affected.

Phil James, Network Rail’s North West route director, said: “With very heavy rain today our plans and decisions are prioritising the safety of passengers and railway staff.

“Our teams have been planning for the likelihood of surface water flooding. We have extra people on the ground to deal with any disruption. I understand that speed limits may be frustrating, but they are a necessary safety precaution when such wild weather is expected.

“I thank passengers in advance for their patience and urge people to check before travelling at www.nationalrail.co.uk or with their train operator. Please also remember to follow government guidelines and wear a face covering when travelling unless you are exempt for medical reasons.”

A spokesperson for Avanti West Coast, said: “Due to the heavy rain forecast, we will be operating an amended timetable to and from Scotland on Thursday with extended journey times due to emergency speed restrictions. As a result, no Avanti West Coast services will operate to and from Edinburgh.

“Customers are advised to leave plenty of time for their journey and to check before they travel. We are working closely with Network Rail and TransPennine Express to monitor the weather and recommend customers check the Avanti West Coast website for the latest updates.”

Paul Watson, operations director for TransPennine Express, said: "With severe weather expected today, we've put in place a revised timetable for our service between Liverpool and Glasgow and Manchester and Edinburgh/Glasgow.

"Customers are urged to allow extra time and check their journey before they travel."

Meanwhile, passengers are asked to continue following Government guidance around the use of public transport.

Travellers must wear a face covering on train services and any replacement bus services. Those who fail to do so risk being fined £200.

However, some people are exempt, including young children and people with hidden disabilities or breathing difficulties.

For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-safer-travel-guidance-for-passengers

Passengers can plan their journeys by checking www.nationalrail.co.uk.