Travel disruption warnings for Cornwall as heatwave could spark record temperatures

Two extreme heat weather alerts are currently in force across the Duchy

Author: Sarah YeomanPublished 18th Jul 2022
Last updated 18th Jul 2022

Cornwall is being warned about travel disruption as day two of those extreme heat weather warnings kicks in.

Great Western Railway (GWR) says train services could be delayed or cancelled along with speed restrictions due to hot tracks.

We are being urged to only travel if absolutely necessary, as the heatwave is forecast to trigger record-breaking temperatures across the country.

GWR is reminding customers who do travel to bring water, to cover up and bring sun screen when travelling.

Track temperatures are expected to rise into this week, reaching in excess of 50°C, which means significant speed restrictions will be put in place across all parts of the GWR network. Engineers will be positioned at key locations to monitor the condition of the track.

GWR is advising customers to plan ahead and check journey times before travelling. It is anticipated that train services will be busy, especially those serving coastal destinations. Rail replacement operations will also be heavily impacted this weekend.

Temperatures are set to peak on Monday and Tuesday with a blanket speed restriction in place across the GWR network. A revised timetable will be in operation.

GWR Customer Service and Operations Director, Richard Rowland, said: “Journey times will take longer on parts of the network and we’re again expecting services to be busy this weekend because of the heatwave.

“As temperatures continue to rise on Sunday and into next week we are going to see some more speed restrictions in place, which unfortunately means some services will be cancelled or diverted.

“Passengers travelling over the next few days should take some sensible precautions, like bringing extra water, allow plenty of time for their journey and check their train is running before leaving home.”

Safety on the railway

Customers are being advised to only travel if absolutely necessary on Monday and Tuesday. Passengers who choose to travel are being advised to check their journeys and ensure they are well-prepared for the extreme conditions – wearing cool clothes, taking handheld fans and ensuring they have plenty of water to drink.

Network Rail has been working all year round preparing the railway for extreme weather events such as this but given the expected temperatures we expect disruption.

Network Rail’s Infrastructure Maintenance Engineer, Dan Collins, said: “The safe and reliable running of the railway is our number-one priority, and we work very hard throughout the year to prepare the track in advance for extreme weather, particularly very hot temperatures which can cause the metal rails to expand.

“Our team of engineers has been busy identifying the parts of the railway most at risk and have completed a number of measures to mitigate the impact of the high temperatures including painting the metal rails white to reduce the temperature and tensioning the rails to prevent misalignment.”

Customers who are delayed may be entitled to Delay Repay compensation if they are delayed by 15 minutes or more. Season-ticket holders can apply for compensation through the Delay Repay scheme.

To help customers, GWR is allowing people with tickets for travel on its services on Monday and Tuesday to travel on Wednesday and Thursday instead.

If you choose to delay your travel, please note that the original ticket restrictions will still apply. If you are using an Advance Purchase ticket, please travel as close to the original departure time as possible or make use of Book With Confidence.

Our Refund and Book with Confidence policies will remain in place. For further information on GWR train services visit: https://www.gwr.com/travel-information/travel-updates/check-your-journey

A big increase in breakdowns on the roads

Meanwhile the RAC says the high temperatures could trigger a big increase in break downs on the roads, as people drive to the coast.

It is predicted the high temperatures could cause potentially over 1,000 more breakdowns a day than is normal for mid July.

A rise in drivers seeking to cool off in coastal, lake and riverside locations risks is leading to localised traffic queues, increasing the likelihood of vehicles overheating and drivers calling for help. Into the early part of next week, the Met Office’s red warning for temperatures rising even further – into the high-30s or even low-40s in places – only heightens the chances of drivers’ vehicles falling victim to the heat and running into problems.

The RAC forecasts the number of drivers needing help on Monday and Tuesday will be 15-20% higher than what’s normal for mid-July – the equivalent of over 1,000 extra breakdowns a day.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Rod Dennis said: “With a rare red weather warning for extreme heat in force there’s now every possibility a large than normal number of drivers will suffer breakdowns over the next few days. We anticipate there could be around 15-20% more breakdowns on Monday and Tuesday, which equates to more than 1,000 extra people needing help each day.

“Such a large increase in people needing assistance is bound to put pressure on all breakdown services, so it’s essential drivers have an emergency kit with them to keep as safe as possible while they wait for help – ideally in a safe location in the shade. Carrying plenty of water, some non-perishable food, emergency medication if needed and a means of blocking out the sun – hats and an umbrella – are all important, as is a having a fully charged phone to be able to contact their breakdown provider or the emergency services if necessary.

“Our teams will be working tirelessly to rescue drivers who break down, but there is a lot drivers can do to avoid breaking down in the first place. This starts with checking the coolant and oil levels under the bonnet when the engine is cold. Oil should be topped up if it’s low, and if coolant isn’t between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ levels then drivers should top it up – or take it to a reputable garage to get it checked without delay.

“Drivers in vehicles without effective air conditioning should consider delaying any non-essential journeys by car over the next few days until temperatures begin to fall and the Met Office’s weather warning no longer applies, or use the car during the coolest parts of the day. This is particularly important advice for vulnerable people, including the very young and elderly, for whom the extremely high temperatures pose a clear health risk. We also want to remind drivers never to leave pets in a hot car, which can prove fatal.

“At these sorts of temperatures, melting roads are also likely – with blacker patches of tarmac being the most obvious sign. Drivers therefore shouldn’t be surprised to see some gritting trucks out, as spreading a fine granite dust can help improve vehicle grip on softening road surfaces. Drivers also shouldn’t be alarmed if they see water underneath their vehicles, which is normally just condensation coming from the air conditioning unit.”

Your emergency breakdown kit – what to pack should the worst happen

• Plenty of water for the driver and all passengers – consider carrying a camping-style water carrier so you’ve always got plenty with you

• Sufficient snacks that won’t melt or go off in the heat – in a coolbox if you have one

• Hats and umbrellas to shield from the sun

• Sun block Emergency medication if needed

• A fully charged mobile phone – on smartphones, download and login to your breakdown service’s app to reach help as quickly as possible (this can also help with precisely locating your vehicle easily)

• A means of keeping pets secure if you have to leave your car – and sufficient food and water for them

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