Southeastern is reminding passengers to check before they travel as their timetable alterations come into force.

From 12th October, their new autumn timetable will be in place, which will help Network Rail and Southeastern keep more trains on time.

During autumn, there is a lot of vegetation management work going on and specialist leaf-clearing trains (Rail Head Treatment Train) which run to keep the tracks safe.

They will also be trialling the new ‘Sand Rover’ on the Hayes line, which will treat the track to help increase the grip.

This timetable alteration will run until the 13th December, which will result in some trains being rescheduled and departing earlier or later.

Passengers can view the timetable alterations on Southeastern’s website.

“We know how important it is to all our passengers to keep our trains running on time, whatever the weather. But we also know autumn is an extremely challenging period as the tracks get inundated by millions of leaves that can affect the stopping and starting of our trains and can pose a significant safety risk if left unchecked.

“By bringing track and train together, Southeastern and Network Rail are able to do even more to keep trains running on time and safely. So, alongside relatively small but necessary changes to our timetables to ensure our drivers can start and stop our trains safely,  we are doing more than ever to minimise disruption, from using special leaf-busting trains to introducing specially modified ’Sand Rover’ 4×4’ vehicles, which treat the track to increase grip.

“Customers can find the amended timetables on journey planners, our website and available in stations.”

David Davidson, Chief Operating Officer for South Eastern Railway