Commuters have received a fresh warning over fallen leaves blighting train journeys but Network Rail has insisted an emergency plan will help stem travel mayhem.
Rail bosses have warned winter travellers that wet weather and falling leaves creates a dangerous layer of mulch on tracks sparking the same effects as “black ice” on roads.
Network Rail has insisted that despite leaf fall being monitored, some 47.8 per cent of foliage close to major travel lines falls on the track.
Drivers are forced to travel at a reduced speed in a bid to minimise accidents but the safety precautions leave hundreds of passengers each year facing delayed and cancelled services.
Rail chiefs have shared an emergency plan aimed at tackling the problem in a bid to put commuters' minds at ease.
So-called leaf-busting trains run 24/7 across hundreds of miles of track blasting sticky leaves with powerful jets of water.
A sandy paste is then spread over tracks to increase traction and help trains move on safely.
In the run up to the winter season, engineers also cut back over-hanging trees and run empty trains overnight to reduce ice on the lines.
In a statement posted on their website, Network Rail said: “Specialist forecasters keep us informed of any severe weather risks, and we run a colour-coded system to alert our controllers to the response they need to take.
“Our cold-weather vehicles and machines are in position at depots across Britain, and we have 10 Snow and Ice Treatment Trains fitted with snow ploughs, hot-air blowers, steam jets, brushes, scrapers and heated de-icer to quickly de-ice tracks.”
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