South Western Railway (SWR) passengers should expect delays and cancellations to services today as Storm Franklin sweeps across the country.

The railway operator is planning to operate services on all routes, despite the challenging weather conditions, however, there will be a 50mph speed restriction across the SWR network.

This restriction is said to be necessary to “protect the safety of our customers and colleagues” after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning, predicting strong winds.

READ MORE

This action will cause and cancellations to services with SWR also anticipating further line blockages due to fallen trees during the stormy conditions.

They are strongly advising customers to consider whether their journey is essential before setting off as they are unable to guarantee replacement travel services will be provided during this challenging situation.

Mark Killick, Route Director for Network Rail said: “Storm Franklin is set to cause further disruption on our route so we’re asking our customers to consider if their journey is essential, and if it is, to check before travelling on Monday.”

Since Friday’s winds, reaching in excess of 90mph, Network Rail have cleared more than 50 fallen trees from the South Western Railway region.

Mr Killick said: “With strong winds approaching from a different direction, it’s likely that trees weakened by Storm Eunice will be forced down and could block lines.”

“The safety of our customers and our staff, who have worked around the clock since Friday to remove debris and repair damaged infrastructure, is our number one priority.

“I’d like to thank our customers for their patience over the last three days and again ask them to check before travelling.”

Passengers should also check, and re-check, their journey before travelling on the SWR website.

READ MORE

Christian Neill, Customer Experience Director for South Western Railway said: “We understand Monday marks the first day back from half term for many and we are sorry for the continuing disruption these storms are causing.

“It has been an incredibly challenging few days and our teams have been working tirelessly to clear the tracks to safely run as many trains as possible.

“With more severe weather expected on Monday, we are asking customers to consider whether their journey is essential and make other plans if they can”

Tickets booked for travel on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday will be accepted on Tuesday.

SWR is planning to operate services on all routes tomorrow, but still faces challenging weather conditions as the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Storm Franklin until the end of Monday.