UK train passengers in five areas have been warned 'do not travel' over the coming days as a rare red warning for extreme heat has been issued in the West Midlands. The warning is in place from 9am on Wednesday, June 24 until 9pm on Thursday, June 25 and covers Birmingham, Coventry, Warwickshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Red Health Warning Extends Across England
The whole of the West Midlands is also covered by a red health warning by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Five other areas, including the East Midlands, South East, South West, London, and east of England have also been given this warning, starting at 1am on Wednesday and lasting until 11pm on Thursday.
Chiltern Railways Advises Against Travel
Chiltern Railways, which operates services between Birmingham and London Marylebone, said that passengers would experience "significant disruption" as a result of the extreme heat. Services are expected to be heavily reduced with the travel firm adding that trains may be subject to disruption, with significant delays and very busy conditions.
Passengers with tickets on the railway for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday are able to use them on Friday, Saturday or Sunday instead. Refunds will also be available for those who choose not to travel.
National Rail and Network Rail Urge Caution
Transport users across the whole of the UK have been advised by National Rail to "only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday." Jake Kelly, deputy chief executive of Network Rail, said: "Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first. We're asking passengers to check before travelling on Tuesday, and only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday if they are going to, from or within the red warning zone as temperatures are expected to peak."
Kelly added: "If you do need to travel in this area or outside of it where it will still be hot, please plan ahead, allow extra time and take necessary precautions, such as carrying water, to stay safe. We thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this period."
London Transport Also Affected
Transport for London (TfL) have also warned customers of possible disruption to rail and tube services, adding that extreme temperatures on board services may lead to temporary speed restrictions and reduced services. Claire Mann, TfL's chief operating officer, said: "Customers should be aware that, given the very high temperatures that are forecast, we are likely to see some disruption to rail and Tube services – with rail temperatures likely to lead to temporary speed restrictions and therefore reduced services in some cases. This will vary by line, with some services that share parts of the overground rail network – like the Overground and the Elizabeth line – likely to be more affected."
Mann added: "We expect bus services to run as normal although, during periods of hot weather, we are encouraging customers to carry water with them when they travel on any of our services."
Severity of the Red Warning
The Met Office's red warning is the most severe level of alert and indicates that dangerous weather is expected. As well as substantial travel disruption, the weather conditions could also lead to serious illness or danger to life, especially to those deemed vulnerable.
