Railnews Magazine

The December edition of Railnews leads with the news that National Rail fares regulated by the Department for Transport, which apply to train operators in England, will be frozen next year. Separate decisions will be made by the devolved governments about fares in Scotland and Wales.

Eurostar has signed a memorandum of understanding with German Railways to prepare the way for launching international services between London and major German cities, a passenger operator is taking part in trials to carry parcels, and the West Coast Main Line was closed for two days between Preston and Carlisle after the front wheels of an Avanti West Coast Pendolino left the rails near Shap because of a landslide following heavy rain.

Bad weather caused disruption elsewhere. Storm Claudia flooded tracks and brought down overhead lines over the weekend of 15 and 16 November and the Met Office has warned that the railway must prepare for increasing hazards as a result of climate change. Meanwhile, a full time Weather Desk staffed by meteorologists is being set up in Scotland to protect the railway.

The Peterborough man accused of stabbing 10 people on an LNER train on 1 November is facing more charges, but he refused to appear on a court video link. The RMT has declared a dispute with East Midlands Railway following two ‘violent’ assaults on staff. EMR said it was ‘appalled by these recent incidents’.

A railway bridge in mid-Wales has become a virtual target for lorry drivers who don’t pay attention to the height of their vehicles, prompting Network Rail to issue a warning.

Network Rail engineers will turn out in force to renew the railway over Christmas, and possessions will also affect the network between Christmas and the New Year.

Everyone at Railnews wishes you a very happy festive season.