Rail disruption is continuing into today after yesterday’s record temperature highs.
The extreme weather resulted in fires across the South East, with key rail infracture damaged in the blazes.
The East Coast main line, which links King’s Cross station in London with Yorkshire and Scotland, was still closed south of Peterborough on this morning.
LNER, the leading train operator on the line, said: “Due to urgent repairs to the railway between King’s Cross and Peterborough, all lines are blocked.
“Please do not travel to or from King’s Cross today.”
The train firm said: “Following the severe weather and high temperatures on Tuesday 19 July, a fire near the railway south of Peterborough has caused significant damage to signalling equipment.
“Network Rail are working to repair this as quickly as possible, but the extent of the damage means that services will be disrupted for the duration of today, Wednesday 20 July.”
It added: “There are numerous reports of damage to tracks, signalling equipment and overhead lines across the UK rail networks, including the routes we would typically redirect our customers to.”
Air fares surge as rail closures continue
British Airways is charging more than £400 one-way for flight tickets between Scotland and London.
The East Coast and West Coast main rail lines are both blocked, and the overnight Caledonian Sleeper acted as a station hotel.
The cheapest BA ticket from Edinburgh to London Heathrow is £420. A slightly less expensive early evening flight to London City is £399.
The easyJet afternoon flight to London Luton quickly sold out as the scale of the rail closures became clear.
To London Stansted, easyJet has an evening departure priced at £147.
Simon Calder20 July 2022 08:43
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s travel liveblog. We’ll be here with all the latest updates throughout the day.
Helen Coffey20 July 2022 08:30
Some train lines still running
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