Network Rail ready to tackle ‘leaves on the line’ and keep passengers moving safely and reliably this autumn with 61 leaf-busting trains and 80 leaf-busting teams.
Leaves on the line can generate issues when they stick to damp rails and are compressed by moving trains into a thin, black layer which can affect train braking and acceleration. The build up of leaf mulch can also make it harder for signallers to detect a train’s location, causing delays to services for passengers.
This is why Network Rail and train operators are working tenaciously to prepare for this season, for example by readying specialist equipment, undertaking specialist driver training and ensuring teams are on standby 24/7, to help keep services running securely and smoothly.
Nick King, Network Rail’s Network Services Director, said: “Our preparation for this year’s autumnal weather has been as comprehensive as ever, and our highly skilled frontline teams and leaf-busting trains will be working non-stop to help keep the tracks clear and services running on time.
“We have worked tirelessly to make sure passengers can travel by rail safely over recent months – for example through enhanced cleaning regimes at stations and introducing hand sanitiser points at our stations. Passengers should continue to follow Government guidance on the use of public transport by wearing a face covering, maintaining social distancing and travelling at quieter times where possible.”
Robert Nisbet, Director of Nations and Regions for the Rail Delivery Group, said: “We are committed to making sure that improved performance continues as the seasons change, helping people to travel with confidence.
“Train operators and Network Rail are working together to keep people moving by running leaf-clearing trains, putting response teams on standby and investing in better technology on board trains to reduce the impact of autumnal weather.”
Image: Network Rail
