THE summer heatwave brought misery to train passengers yesterday as widespread speed restrictions were imposed on the rail network.
Temperatures of 32C (90F) increased the chance of buckled tracks and derailments.
With the Met Office predicting a record-breaking 100F (37.78C) this week, the 60mph limits could remain in force on some of Britain’s busiest rail routes into next week. The previous high of 99F was recorded on August 3, 1990.
Network Rail said that the decision had been taken on safety grounds. The worst-affected services, with 60mph restrictions and cancellations from 12.30pm each day, are on the West Coast Main Line between London and Scotland.
The number of trains between London and Birmingham will be cut by half.
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Other lines where speed restrictions were imposed include First Great Eastern services from London Liverpool Street to Chelmsford and Norwich from 2pm each day, and on services run by South West Trains, Connex South Eastern and in the South Central region from 2.30pm. The restrictions were all lifted by 7pm, once the temperature and the tracks had cooled.
Peter Henderson, Network Rail’s engineering director, said: “Our first priority is always to run a safe railway.” A spokeswoman for Network Rail said: “The problem is not unique to Britain.”
Steve Hounsham, of Transport 2000, said: “Obviously, safety comes first, but many people will be asking why our rail network can’t cope. We have seen the wrong kind of snow and leaves on the line; now sunny weather must be added to the list of reasons for poor performance.”