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Passengers are being urged to only take essential train journeys to, from or within areas affected by extreme heat – as record June temperatures hit.

Network Rail and East Midlands Railway have provided an update from the the scene of the collision in Bedford, with footage available for media. 

Photo download link: https://we.tl/t-xfy9ShPOSvqVKi5B 

Rail passengers planning to travel through Bedford next week are being warned by the rail industry to expect disruption to train services until the end of next week (28 June) and to only travel on this route if their journey is essential.

Two Network Rail colleagues – Esther Lagden and Tyron Woodford – have been awarded British Empire Medals (BEM) in The King’s Birthday Honours 2026, in recognition of their exceptional contributions to their communities.

• Esther Lagden has been recognised for her dedicated voluntary service supporting young people.
• Tyron Woodford has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to inclusion, public service and community support.

On World Environment Day (Friday 5 June), Network Rail and train operators are setting out how they are helping to make the UK a world leader in clean, green rail travel by reducing emissions, improving air quality, and protecting biodiversity across the network.

• Inspired by the Chelsea Flower Show, Network Rail installs climate change garden at London Victoria
• Display highlights the damaging effects that heat and dry spells inflict on the railway and the innovations used to tackle them

The vast majority of Britain’s rail network will be open for passengers travelling this late May bank holiday – despite planned engineering work.