BLANKET line closures as a result of extreme weather have prompted criticism that Network Rail should be more prepared for such events, be capable of maintaining services and work with train operators to organise alternative means of transport for passengers making essential journeys.
The response is the appointment of a task force of independent experts to investigate the factors that allow rail systems elsewhere to operate at high temperatures of the type recently seen in Britain, which peaked on July 19 with recordings that exceeded 40°C (see also p8).
