Passengers advised to check before travelling as Storm Doris predicted to hit Southern network tomorrow

Headline Date 22-02-2017

Passengers are advised to check before travelling tomorrow, Thursday 23rd February as gale force winds from Storm Doris have prompted Network Rail to impose speed restrictions.

On Southern coastal routes from 8am until 5pm, and on the rest of the Southern network from 12pm until 5pm, a 50mph speed restriction will be in place. As a result, there will be changes to some Southern and Gatwick Express services, meaning delays and cancellations on all routes south of East Croydon.

The Metro area is expected to be less affected.

Andy Derbyshire, chief operating officer, Network Rail South East route, said: “Gale force winds are forecast on Thursday, so we’re putting a 50mph speed limit in place to limit the risk to passengers and staff should trees or other objects get blown onto the tracks.

“Your safety is our top priority, so thank you for your understanding and please check before you travel.”

Southern Passenger Services Director, Angie Doll said: “These speed restrictions will mean that we won’t be able to run our full service on some of our routes, with cancellations and delays likely across the Southern network.”

Passengers are advised to check before travelling for the latest information about the service. A service summary is available at www.southernrailway.com.