HIGH powered leaf-busting trains rolled out across the South Western Railway route last month – and will travel the equivalent of twice round the world over the winter clearing leaves and debris.

The trains are part of Network Rail’s £4.5million investment in the region to keep tracks clear and passengers moving through autumn. 

From Waterloo to Weymouth, high pressured water jets mounted on the undercarriage of specially designed trains will clear debris and coat the rail in a unique sand-based gel. This means trains can better grip the tracks, reducing delays and improving safety. 

With up to 70,000 mature trees along the SWR route, shedding around 210 million leaves over autumn, the leaf-busting trains are in use 24-hours-a-day for three months. 

Network Rail route managing director Becky Lumlock said: “We invest £4.5million across the South Western Railway route to keep our tracks clear and our passengers moving over autumn.

“Leaves and foliage on the line can cause the same conditions as black ice on the roads, and with thousands of mature trees on our route, it’s something we take seriously. 

“That’s why our leaf-busting, and our teams of track side workers, are out there 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, to make sure our tracks are safe and free from debris.” 

Network Rail also receives ‘adhesion forecasts’ from a specialist weather forecaster over the autumn, informing where leaves are most likely to stick to the rails.

World-leading intelligent infrastructure also monitors levels of electric current running through the track, which leaves and foliage can affect. All this means line-side staff can take targeted, prompt action to avoid delays to passengers.

Train drivers also receive refresher training every September using simulators to help them improve the skills needed to deal with ‘slippery’ rails.

South Western Railway managing director Andy Mellors said:  “We work extremely hard alongside our industry partners at Network Rail to help reduce delays caused by autumn conditions, in particular leaf-fall.

“That’s why we introduced minor adjustments to our timetable during autumn to take in to consideration these added seasonal challenges.

“Our drivers also adopt special driving techniques to make sure journeys are as safe and punctual as possible.”