Watch: TPE train driver shares what it’s like to drive in tricky autumn conditions as leaves start to fall
Stunning shades of orange and yellow can now be seen from train windows right across the UK as we move further into autumn. While leaves on the line can be challenging for the rail industry, staff – including a train driver from train company TransPennine Express (TPE) are sharing how they plan to keep customers on the move this season.
Leaves, combined with rain and heavy trains, can make tracks super slippery, which is something TPE train driver Peter Clarke knows all about.
Peter, who is based in Manchester, shared his personal experience of driving at this time of year, saying: "It's really important during leaf fall season that, as a driver, you're aware of the conditions of your route. At the start of our day, we check the boards at our depots that show the various regions we drive through to see what the leaf status is for that day.
"As experienced drivers, we are always aware of the listed and known areas that can be affected by leaves on the line, but we must be prepared at all locations where we need to reduce the train's speed.
"When trains pass over leaves, the heat and weight of the trains bake them into a thin, slippery layer on the rail. This is equivalent to black ice on the roads.
"Leaves on the line can cause difficulties for drivers, and we must adapt our driving techniques and, at times, slow down.”
Slippery rails make it harder for trains to accelerate and slow down. Drivers, therefore, have to pull out of stations more slowly and brake much earlier for stations and signals to make sure they stop in time. This can lead to longer journey times and delays.
The rail operator's trains are also equipped with special technology to keep them on the move under the conditions such as the sander and wheel slide prevention systems.
Will Jagger, Fleet Engineer for TPE, discusses the measures in place. He outlines, "All of our train drivers received training on how to deal with slippery conditions during the autumn period, with the simulator, a virtual machine that creates real-life driving situations, offering the closest real-life experience to a situation where weather-related conditions can cause disruption – so our customers are in safe hands.
"Our trains are equipped with special technology, which applies coarse, gritty sand between the wheels and the rails when the trains need extra grip during braking and accelerating to help prevent wheels slipping or locking up.
"We also use a unique system that helps control wheel slip under acceleration and wheels lock-up and slide during braking, which is of great assistance when driving in slippery conditions.
"Despite these measures, there are circumstances when speed reductions become necessary, which has a knock-on impact on other services where delays and cancellations can happen.
"We thank our customers for their patience during the autumn period and ask our customers to stay informed and plan their journeys before they travel this autumn by checking our website for the latest updates Travel Updates | Live Train Times | TransPennine Express (tpexpress.co.uk) "
To read more about leaves on the line visit: Leaves on the line - Network Rail