Speed restrictions

This winter, we may need to put speed restrictions in place to keep you moving safely, but only on days when we expect strong winds or heavy rain which can cause flooding or debris on the tracks.

Heavy rain and flooding can short-circuit power supplies and disrupt signalling systems - the railway’s traffic light system – which is why we closely monitor weather forecasts and act fast when flood warnings are issued. We’ve installed pumps at flood-prone locations like Wadhurst to help clear water quickly and keep trains moving.

Flooding can also block lines, wash debris and mud onto the track, or even wash away the ballast - the stones that hold the track in place - making it unsafe for trains to run until repairs are made.

Landslips are a serious risk, especially on embankments and cuttings, even after the rain has stopped. They happen when water saturates the soil, weakening its structure and causing it to slide. In high-risk areas, we’ve installed remote condition monitoring – tiny electronic sensors in the ground that detect any movement and send alerts if a landslip is likely.

These alerts are checked using trackside cameras, allowing us to quickly assess the situation and stop trains if needed, keeping passengers safe. On routes like the Hastings line, you’ll see these systems in action, alongside engineering works – such as the 200-metre-long metal wall installed on the Medway Valley line to protect the railway from landslips.

High winds can also bring your journey to a halt. Fallen trees and wind-blown debris - including garden items like trampolines – can damage trains and electrical equipment. We manage hundreds of miles of trackside trees and shrubs year-round and ask our lineside neighbours to secure loose items before storms hit.

Although we have systems in place to manage the effects of winter weather, sometimes mother nature has other ideas, and we’ll need to put speed restrictions in place to keep you moving safely or sometimes stop trains altogether if repairs are needed.