Heatwave halts rail services

Why it's too hot for trains

In detail

Rail passengers in north Wales continue to face disruptions on key services as the country is gripped in a heatwave.

Four services scheduled to run between Holyhead and London have been limited to operating between Holyhead and Crewe only.

Many train companies are running services at a slower than usual speed amid concern tracks may buckle in temperatures of up to 33C.

Network Rail have imposed a series of temporary speed limits across the UK from midday on Tuesday, lasting until early evening.

A 60 miles per hour speed restriction has been applied on trains that normally run at up to 110 mph as temperatures rise.

Virgin West Coast has cancelled 19 services, and altered four services in north Wales.

Record-breaking

The 0926 and 1341 BST from Holyhead to Euston terminate at Crewe while the 1725 and 1905 BST scheduled from Euston to Holyhead start from Crewe only.

A Virgin West Coast spokesperson said the disruptions will continue as long as the restrictions are in place.

"A number of services are terminating at Crewe due to congestion on the line to London following the imposition of speed restrictions," he said.

"We advise passengers from north Wales to take alternative services from Crewe.

"The more trains run from Crewe to London, the more congested the line will become."

More than half the trains between Cardiff and London have also been cancelled.

The worst-hit station has been Birmingham New Street, where half the trains to London were cancelled and Virgin passengers faced average delays of 45 to 60 minutes on Monday.

Meanwhile forecasters say temperature records could be broken this week.

The hottest day on record in the UK - 37.1C (99F), recorded on 3 August 1990 at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire - could topple on Wednesday or Thursday.