The rail industry has taken the decision to close the East Coast main line (ECML) between York / Leeds and London tomorrow, Tuesday 19th July, when temperatures are due to peak at 39 Degrees Celsius.
LNER ask that you do not travel on routes south of York and south of Leeds to London King’s Cross as trains will not be running, this includes to or from Wakefield Westgate, Doncaster, Retford, Lincoln, Newark Northgate, Grantham, Peterborough and Stevenage. There will be limited trains to other destinations along the ECML, and it’s highly likely that they will be subject to significant delays because speed restrictions will be in place.
If you need to travel, please check your journey before you set off.
Tickets dated for travel on Monday 18th July and Tuesday 19th July are valid for travel on Wednesday 20th July and Thursday 21st July. If you are no longer travelling, you will be entitled to a full refund or you can change your ticket to another date.
Similarly, Northern Rail ask that you do not travel tomorrow. Fee-free refunds are available for standard Anytime, Off-peak and Advance tickets if you decide not to travel. If you travel and your train is delayed by 15 minutes or more, then you will be entitled to delay repay compensation. Season ticket holders can also claim compensation, if not travelling, through delay repay.
For more information and advice, please click the links below:
You can find out how high temperatures can impact the railway by visiting Network Rail’s website here.