South Western Railway cuts West of England line services after heat

South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail Wessex introduced a temporary timetable on the West of England line between London Waterloo and Exeter St Davids starting 10 August. Record‑breaking temperatures and prolonged dry weather have dried out clay embankments, creating a soil‑moisture deficit that threatens track stability. To ensure safety, trains run at reduced speeds between Tisbury (Wiltshire) and Honiton (Devon) and the number of services is cut – an hourly service to Yeovil Junction and only every other hour to Exeter, with journeys taking up to 27 minutes longer.

Managing Director Lawrence Bowman said the extreme weather highlights increasing climate‑related challenges for rail infrastructure. He noted that investments made after last summer’s heatwave have helped limit disruptions, and that SWR is working with the University of Southampton on longer‑term solutions such as alternative track materials and embankment vegetation.