Train services running through Salisbury may be "cancelled, delayed or revised" today (Wednesday, November 17) due to slippery rails caused by autumn leaf fall.

Trains are having to run at reduced speeds on all lines because of poor railhead conditions.

Disruption is expected to last until the end of the day.

A joint statement from National Rail and South Western Rail explained that this was due to autumn "leaf fall conditions".

The statement said: "Following separate reports of low adhesion associated with autumn leaf fall conditions around Salisbury yesterday, we have introduced precautionary temporary speed restrictions in the area.

"As a result, some services in the West of England will be subject to delays and cancellations.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience this will cause as we prioritise the safety of our customers. Please check before you travel."

Advice issued to South Western Railway customers says that the following alterations will be in place:

  • Services between Exeter St Davids and London Waterloo will be reduced to one train per hour. Other services will terminate and restart at Salisbury
  • Services between Salisbury and Romsey via Southampton Central will be cancelled
  • Some services between London Waterloo and Poole / Weymouth will call additionally at Basingstoke and / or Swaythling.

Tickets will be accepted at no extra cost on the following services:

  • Great Western Railway between Salisbury and Southampton Central. These services will call additionally at Redbridge and Millbrook.
  • Great Western Railway between Exeter St. Davids and London Paddington
  • Great Western Railway services between Basingstoke and Reading
  • London Underground between London Paddington and London Waterloo
  • Xelabus routes X6 and X7 between Eastleigh and Chandlers Ford.

A replacement bus service will be in operation between Salisbury, Dean, Mottisfont and Dunbridge, Romsey, Chandlers Ford and Eastleigh. 

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