Train firms to claim millions of pounds in compensation after UK storm

Train companies could claim millions of pounds in compensation after hundreds of trains were cancelled ahead of the St Jude Day Storm.

Network Rail removed 200 fallen trees from rail tracks on Monday and had to close parts of the tracks.

Now it may have to pay millions to train firms which cancelled services across southern England before the storm hit, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Train operators are entitled to 'Schedule Eight' payments, which means they can get compensation from Network Rail if a train is more than a minute late or a service has to be cancelled, compared to passengers who can only claim compensation if a train is cancelled or at least 30 minutes late.

Robin Gisby of Network Rail told ITV News on Monday: "Following the effects of the severe weather, our track teams have worked tirelessly throughout the day to clear around 200 fallen trees and debris."

Many rail companies suspended morning services before running reduced services on Monday. They said operations would be back to normal on Tuesday but Network Rail is still working to repair tracks and overhead wires damaged by fallen trees.

Bloomberg reports that London commuters faced a second morning of disruption on Tuesday.

On its website, Greater Anglia said: "Despite working throughout the night on Monday, Network Rail have found further trees on the lines and damage to overhead wires."

South West Trains planned to run a normal service today but said a section of one route from Eastleigh to Fareham will remain closed due to a signal being damaged near Fareham after being hit by a tree and requiring significant repairs.

Related articles

St Jude Day Storm: Passenger train hits tree in Devon

Rail commuters hit as train companies cancel trains ahead of storm