In what is becoming a common situation because of the continuing hot weather, East Midlands Railway (EMR) is again advising customers to only travel if their journey is essential.

Travellers should try to start their journeys before 12:00 noon to avoid the highest temperatures and be ready for disruption during their journey. In an attempt to keep services running, East Midlands Railway is liaising with Network Rail to monitor conditions and has withdrawn some regional services.

Following the amber Heat-Health Alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which covers much of East Midlands Railway’s network, a temporary amended timetable is being implemented from today, Friday, 10th, until Sunday, 12th July.

With track temperatures significantly higher than the air temperatures, additional pressure is expected to be placed on the railway, with the consequent issues around the infrastructure and train fleets.

Service changes

Friday, 10th July

• East Midlands Railway Connect: a full service will operate.
• Intercity: a reduced timetable will operate, and some services will not run.
• Regional:
  • No services on the Robin Hood Line between Nottingham and Worksop after 12:00 noon.
  • No stopping services between Nottingham and Leicester after 12:00 noon.
  • Services on the Liverpool Lime Street – Nottingham – Norwich route will only operate between Norwich and Sheffield.

Saturday, 11th July

• East Midlands Railway Connect: a full service will operate.
• Intercity: a reduced timetable will operate, and some services will not run.
• Regional: services on the Liverpool Lime Street – Nottingham – Norwich route will only operate between Norwich and Sheffield

Sunday, 12th July

• East Midlands Railway Connect: a full service will operate.
• Intercity: a reduced timetable will operate, and some services will not run.
• Regional: A full timetable is expected to operate, but there may still be some short-notice changes depending on the weather conditions.

Customers who do travel should try to start their journey before 12:00 noon, carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and wait in shaded areas or station waiting rooms.

Great Western Railway services from London Paddington are being similarly affected.

“With exceptionally high temperatures expected to continue this weekend, our priority is to keep as much of the railway running as possible while continuing to operate safely. By making temporary changes to a small number of services, we can better protect the wider timetable and provide greater resilience across the network should disruption occur. If you do need to travel, please check your journey before setting off and, where possible, travel before midday. We’d also encourage customers to carry plenty of water, stay hydrated and allow extra time for their journey.”

Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway