Network Rail leaf-busting trains to tackle leaves on the line

ongoing

Network Rail will be travelling the equivalent of more than four times around the world on the south western rail network to combat leaves on the line, which act like black ice on roads and can cause train delays throughout the autumn months. The network has more than 1,300 miles of track, much of which is surrounded by trees and vegetation, which must be regularly treated to keep them clear. Six specially designed trains with high pressure water jets are expected to cover around 120,000 miles in the coming months on the route.