Network Rail solves 'leaves on line' problem by chopping down trees

Network Rail says it has "slashed" the number of severe train delays due to leaves on the line by chopping back trees which overhang the tracks.

Autumn leaf fall has been a huge problem for the rail sector, with more than 3,000 minutes of delays in 2003 caused by leaves. The fallen leaves are crushed by train wheels to create a slippery coating on the rails.

But last month 93.6% of trains ran on time, according to Network Rail.

The rail infrastructure operators says thousands of tonnes of leaves fall on to railway lines each year. It says the costs of pruning and felling trees is between £20,000 and £50,000 per mile, and there are 21,000 miles of track to keep clear.

This, along with more modern trains, and the use of an adhesive substance called Sandite, has helped alleviate the problem.

And in Northern Ireland, public transport operator Translink uses a specially-converted train carrying high-pressure water jets to wash down and remove compressed leaves from lines.

However, some train operators will still implement leaf fall timetables this autumn, allowing for slower journeys as a safety precaution.