Passengers warned to avoid travel by East Midlands Trains as temperatures soar

East Midlands Trains has warned its passengers not to travel with them tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday.

The rail network has imposed safety measures likely to cause disruption to services amid soaring temperatures across the UK.

It says timetables have been reduced because of high rail temperatures that could potentially buckle the train tracks.

Speed restrictions are also being introduced across wide parts of the UK rail network as a result of record-breaking temperatures forecast for tomorrow (Thursday).

East Midlands Trains said: "Our focus is to ensure our trains and our stations can be safely used by our customers and as a result of the speed restrictions, we have to run a significantly reduced timetable to and from London throughout the day on Thursday July 25."

Network Rail has also issued service warnings across the Midlands in ahead of the heat due to arrive on Thursday and Friday.

They state speed restrictions will be imposed as steel rails could top 50C in the sun – leaving the risk of buckling under pressure. This is set to lead to train cancellations, longer journey times and busier services.

Rob McIntosh, managing director of Network Rail Eastern, said passenger safety is the company's number one priority and will be taking actions to keep people safe.

"Reducing speed limits will mean fewer services and busier trains on our main routes into and out of London. So I’d like to ask all passengers to think about whether their journey is really necessary and, if it is, to make sure they plan well ahead," he said.

"I’m sorry for the disruption this will cause, but it is essential to maintain the safety of the travelling public."

For more information about delays or to see the live service timetable, please visit www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/train-times/live-train-updates/#%e2%9c%94%ef%b8%8f-Newark-Northgate%2f

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