Rail network unable to cope with extreme heat as track hits 62C: ‘Just not built to withstand this temperature’ July 19, 2022 The hottest railway track reached a scorching 62C on Monday, as the Transport Secretary admitted it will take decades to upgrade existing lines to be more resilient. Grant Shapps conceded the UK’s transport network cannot cope with the extreme heat, saying that the Victorian-era infrastructure “just wasn’t built to withstand this type of temperature”. On [...]
Heatwave continues: Britain prepares for scorching temperatures as rail, retail and airports face disruption July 19, 2022 Brits are set to face temperatures of up to 41c today which is likely to be the hottest day on record. The country is struggling to cope with the extreme temperatures, with Luton Airport temporarily grounding all flights yesterday due to the heat, which melted a part of the tarmac. London’s transport network continues to [...]
Heatwave: London Luton Airport suspends all flights as high temperatures damage runway July 18, 2022 London Luton Airport has halted all flights as record high temperatures damaged the runway. Temperatures in London are currently 38c as England faces an unprecedented heatwave that has caused disruptions to travel. “Following today’s high temperatures, a surface defect was identified on the runway. Engineers were called immediately to site and repair works are currently [...]
Heatwave: Severe delays on almost all tube lines as journeys down by 18 per cent from last week July 18, 2022 Londoners have stayed at home to avoid the extreme heat and travel disruption, with a marked decline in the number of journeys made today. London Mayor Sadiq Khan warned the train network would be operating with speed restrictions, which may cause delays, and commuters should consider working at home. On Monday morning, a number of [...]
Transport secretary outlines new Charter to ensure travellers know their rights this summer July 17, 2022 The transport secretary today outlined a new Charter to ensure that travellers know their rights when it comes to flight delays and cancellations this summer. The government’s Aviation Passenger Charter, which was developed alongside industry, consumer and disability groups, seeks to give holidaymakers confidence for their travels, from booking, all the way to their return [...]
Union boss says crippling rail strikes to go ahead as no one is ‘coming to the table’ July 17, 2022 Crippling rail strikes are set to go ahead in just two weeks as train company bosses are not “coming to the table”, according to the head of the UK train drivers’ union. Mick Whelan, general secretary of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (Aslef) union, said “when train drivers don’t come to work, [...]
Brits turn to ice cream, paddling pools, BBQs and fans as temperatures set to break record today July 17, 2022 Sales of paddling pools and fans are soaring and ice cream is set to break a record for the amount bought in a single week as Brits prepare for more heat with temperatures continuing to rise. With an “amber” extreme heat warning in place for much of England and Wales today, tomorrow and Tuesday, Tesco [...]
Avoid travelling in heatwave, warns Network Rail July 16, 2022 Network Rail has warned that passengers in England and Wales should travel only if necessary during next week's scorching heatwave.
Heatwave: Network Rail sets speed limitations as car breakdowns increase by 20 per cent July 15, 2022 Soaring temperatures are expected to hit England this week, prompting the country’s transport network to batten down the hatches. The Met Office issued today an extreme red heat warning for the first time ever, as temperatures are set to reach between 38 and 40 degrees on Monday and Tuesday. Rail and TfL Network Rail announced it [...]
UK braces itself for nation-wide disruption as 40,000 workers announce another two days of rail strikes July 15, 2022 The UK will need to brace itself for nation-wide disruption as 40,000 rail members of the union RMT announced late last night an additional two days’ strike on 18 and 20 August. RMT members working at Network Rail and 14 other operators announced earlier this week they will also walk out on 27 July in [...]