Southeastern has urged passengers not to travel if they can avoid it. The extreme heatwave is set to cause rail disruption across Kent and Sussex on Thursday 25th July. Fewer services will be running, and those that are still going ahead will be travelling at a significantly slower speed adding to journey times.
Temperatures are believed to reach a scorching 38C in London tomorrow. Extreme heat can affect the lines and there is a risk they will buckle, warns the National Rail.
Recently installed lines are a higher risk and speed restrictions as low as 20mph have been put I place on the main line from London via Gatwick to Brighton, according to The Independent. Passengers travelling to London Gatwick by train should ensure they allow plenty of time to reach the airport.
Can I claim a refund if my train is cancelled?
Generally, if trains are cancelled the rail company will either offer to refund any unused tickets or transfer the ticket to another day. It is best to speak directly to the rail company as terms and conditions will differ.
Will travel insurance cover if I miss my flight due to the disruption?
Travel insurance will not cover claims relating to missed flights due to public transport delays that were announced before passengers left for their journey. As a warning has been given, it is the passengers responsibility to ensure they allow for any potential delays.
Safety tips for travelling by rail during the heatwave
Transport for London are advising all passengers to carry water with them when travelling by rail and to alert on-board staff or station staff if they are feeling unwell. Passengers are being reminded that the emergency alarm should not be used for unwell passengers as this will delay any help from reaching them.
