Winter weather can be challenging for the railway,
high winds can blow objects onto the line, blocking the railway
and preventing trains from running safely.
Heavy rain can make the track slippery,
so trains need to accelerate and brake more slowly.
And prolonged rainfall can cause flooding and landslips.
In very cold weather, snow and ice can build up on tracks.
Ice can block moveable parts of the track
and coat overhead power lines or the third rail,
preventing trains from drawing the power
they need to run. Icicles on tunnels
and bridges can also cause serious damage
to passing trains.
So we've made a number of changes
to the network to help reduce delays during winter. We
operate a special fleet of trains equipped
with snow plows, hot air blowers, steam jets, brushes,
scrapers and antifreeze to clear snow and ice from the tracks.
We fitted parts of the track with heating strips
to prevent snow and ice forming and put up
fences in some places to prevent snow
from drifting on the tracks.
Our teams work around the clock in all weathers
to keep the network clear.
We do everything we can to minimise delays.
but getting passengers to their destination safely
is our number one priority.
Thank you for your understanding.