New timetable as rail firm prepares for leaf fall

A rail operator is introducing a new timetable for the autumn and winter to help deal with the problem of leaves on the track.

Between 13 October and 14 December some of Southeastern's services between London and Kent and East Sussex will leave a few minutes earlier.

The company said on days with heavy leaf fall it would operate a short-term timetable, with trains calling less frequently at some stations during off-peak times.

It said the extra time would be needed to stop and start trains when the wheels had less grip on the tracks.

The stations that could be affected by the short-term timetable changes are Eden Park, Falconwood, Lower Sydenham, New Beckenham, Welling and West Wickham.

Passengers are being urged to check the Southeastern online journey planner before setting off.

The company said the chemicals in leaves, combined with their water content, can more than double braking distances, with trains taking up to 1,000m (3,280ft) to come to a stop.

It can also affect electrical signals used to keep track of where each train is.

Leaf-busting trains will be run through the autumn, using water jets and applying an adhesion gel to the rails.

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