Essential travel only on Wednesday and Thursday says train firm as extreme heatwave grips country

• Safety speed restrictions mean reduced service with fewer trains on Wednesday and Thursday on Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern
• Gatwick Express suspended from early afternoon Wednesday and Thursday – airport still served by Thameslink and Southern trains
• In line with national travel advice, passengers advised to check before travelling on Tuesday and only travel if absolutely necessary on Wednesday and Thursday
• Trains will be busier and journeys will take longer
• Customers should visit the Southern, Thameslink and Great Northern websites for latest travel advice and ticket information before setting off
• Friday’s travel remains under review

In line with national travel advice, passengers with Thameslink, Great Northern and Southern are being urged to travel only if absolutely necessary on Wednesday and Thursday, 24 and 25 June, after the Met Office issued a rare Red Extreme Heat Warning across large parts of its network.

There will be significant disruption as trains run more slowly to reduced timetables to keep services safe (see editor’s notes).

Gatwick Express will be suspended from early afternoon on both days but the airport will continue to be served by Thameslink and Southern trains.

While the amended timetable is designed to help ensure scheduled trains run as planned, services may still be subject to further short notice changes and cancellations.

Friday’s service is being kept under review as the forecast develops.

Passengers should check before they travel at one of the Great Northern, Southern, Thameslink or Gatwick Express websites where they will find the latest information.

Jenny Saunders, Customer Service Director at Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Southern and Thameslink, said:

“I’m sorry for the disruption this is going to cause but with such extreme temperatures forecast, we have to run fewer trains, more slowly to keep services safe. I’d really urge our customers to think about what’s best for them and to travel only if absolutely necessary on Wednesday and Thursday.

“If you do have to catch a train, then consider travelling earlier or later in the day when it is cooler, or delaying your trip to later in the week. Please bring lots of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, and have a backup plan in case of disruption.

“And please do check before you travel on one of our websites as the situation could change along with the forecast."

Jake Kelly, deputy CEO of Network Rail, said:

“Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first. We’re asking passengers to check before travelling on Tuesday, and only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday if they are going to, from or within the red warning zone as temperatures are expected to peak.

“If you do need to travel in this area or outside of it where it will still be hot, please plan ahead, allow extra time and take necessary precautions, such as carrying water, to stay safe. We thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this period.”

People who no longer wish to travel, will be eligible for a full refund from where they bought their ticket for Gatwick Express, Great Northern, Thameslink and Southern services dated Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, 23, 24 or 25 June.

ENDS

Editors’ notes

Extreme heat runs the risk of buckled rails. By slowing trains down, they exert lower forces on the track, reducing the chance of this happening. It is not possible to run as many trains if they are running more slowly. This is why an amended timetable has to be introduced.