50 million leaves fall onto the train tracks every autumn. When mixed with rain and squashed by train wheels, they form a slippery layer on the rails like black ice.

On days or weeks when rails are most slippery, Southeastern introduce a different timetable on some routes. Drivers need more time to stop and start the trains as the wheels have less grip on the tracks. These timetable changes give them the extra time they need to drive the trains safely.

The leaf-fall is expected to be most significant over the coming days; and as such, Southeastern will be running a revised Off-Peak metro timetable until Friday 23 November.

You can find more information on the amended timetable here.

Check before you travel:
You can check your journey up to 3 days in advance using the National Rail Enquiries real-time Journey Planner.

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Compensation:
You may be entitled to compensation if you experience a delay in completing your journey today. Please keep your train ticket and make a note of your journey, as both will be required to support any claim.

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Last updated: 15/11/2018 10:38