Heatwave hits West commuters

Train delays are expected across the UK

Temporary changes are continuing on First Great Western's timetables in a bid to minimize the effect of delays caused by the hot weather.

Some rail passengers in the UK have been warned by train companies that they face a week of disruption because of speed limits imposed in response to soaring temperatures.

Network Rail, which is responsible for the rail infrastructure, has imposed a 90 mile-an-hour restriction in most parts of Gloucestershire, and a 60 mile-an-hour restriction in and around Bristol.

And trains between Liverpool Street and Chelmsford will run at a maximum of 60 miles-per-hour limit has from midday until early evening on Wednesday.

We are making every effort to minimise the inconvenience First Great Western

Journey times between London and Bristol are likely to be extended by around 20 minutes as a result of the restrictions, and peak time services in Wiltshire will also be hit.

The company says it hopes the altered timetable will provide greater certainty for customers.

In a statement on Tuesday, it added: "Network Rail has imposed these restrictions to ensure the safety of services during this hot weather, and we are making every effort to minimise the inconvenience."

The timetable restrictions are likely to be in place until the weekend.