Customers advised not to travel due to red alert temperature warning

c2c is advising customers not to travel on Monday 18 and Tuesday 19 July due to the Met Office forecast of extremely high temperatures, which could peak at 40C on Tuesday.

Extremely hot weather can cause a multitude of issues on the rail network including sagging overhead lines, buckled rails and lineside fires and as such there is a risk of severe disruption to services across the c2c route.

c2c Managing Director, Rob Mullen, said: “We have been liaising closely with Network Rail, who maintain the infrastructure of our line, and due to the expected high temperatures we are advising customers to only travel if it is essential and work from home if possible. For those that need to travel on c2c, we would ask them to check their journey before travelling. Regular updates will be available on our website and Twitter and we will continue to monitor the situation.”

Network Rail’s System Operator Group Director, Jake Kelly, said: “Rail passengers in England and Wales should only travel if necessary on Monday and Tuesday as there will be delays and cancellations to train services due to the unprecedented heat we’re expecting.

“Journeys will take significantly longer and delays are likely as speed restrictions are introduced to keep passengers and railway staff safe, so make sure to allow considerably more time to complete your journey and be prepared for very hot conditions.

“We’re working closely with MetDesk to monitor forecasts and adapt our plans, and with our train operator colleagues to make sure we can get passengers who need to travel to their destinations safely.”

Customers that have to travel during this period of exceptional heat are also advised to carry a bottle of water at all times and if they feel unwell on board one of our trains, we recommend they seek help at the next station.

Customers that have already purchased a ticket for the 18/19 July can claim a refund via our online refund form.