Network Rail has announced that their leaf blowing and railway cleaning trains have set to work in Sussex to make sure passengers are kept on the move this Autumn.
When trains pass over leaves on the line, the weight of the train makes the leaves into a slippery layer which is like black ice.
Train drivers brake earlier when approaching stations and signals, to avoid overshooting their stop and they also accelerate more gently to avoid wheel spin.
Seasonal trains are ready in Sussex to ‘jet wash' the rails and make sure no leaves are left on the line.
Some trains will even have equipment that applies ultra-fine dried sand onto the rail in front of the wheels which improves grip when braking or accelerating.
What did the officials say?
Rob Davis, Delivery Director, Network Rail said:
“Even with the best preparation, leaves fall onto the line which can cause the same conditions as black ice on the roads. With millions of trees growing alongside the railway, it's something the rail industry takes seriously.
“That's why our ‘leaf-busting' trains and front-line teams are out there 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to make sure we can get passengers from A to B safely and reliably.”
Mike Paterson, Network Operations Director at Govia Thameslink Railway which runs Thameslink and Southern, said:
“Autumn can be a particularly difficult time but working with Network Rail we will do our very best to keep our services running on time.”
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The leaf blower machines that Network Rail have ordered to clean up the leaves that causes damage to the trains wheels and causes delays and disruptions are really good leaf removal cleaning machines. Network Rail are still doing amazing things to our railways and keeping our railways safe.