Rail chiefs criticised after ‘slippery leaves’ train chaos
More than 20 trains were cancelled in just one day after ‘slippery leaves’ affected services in this area.
Rail users faced severe travel disruptions, with passengers in Beverley and Driffield especially hard hit, as rail chiefs blamed a ‘thin, slippery layer’ of compressed autumn leaves.
Northern services on the Hull to Scarborough line have suffered widespread delays and cancellations, particularly affecting commuters travelling between Hull, Cottingham, Beverley, and Driffield.
While trains have continued to run along the line, many have skipped intermediate rural stations and market towns, while a limited few have stopped as scheduled – leading to confusion for commuters on platforms.
The route is a vital link for rural communities, according to local representatives who are urging rail bosses to overhaul trackside vegetation management across East Yorkshire.
“That rail route is a lifeline for people that don’t drive,” said Cllr Matt Rogers (Conservative – Driffield and Rural ward). “If they’re not stopping at Driffield or Beverley, then the railway becomes pointless. And if trains are running, why are they not stopping in Driffield?”
He said passengers understand delays driven by safety concerns, but would far rather trains call at all stops at reduced speeds than skip them entirely.
“I think people would rather have delayed trains than no trains at all,” Cllr Rogers added. “Leaves fall on the line every year. Have they stopped managing vegetation near railways? As a farmer, I can see that vegetation in fields and borders along the line around Driffield is simply not being cleared.”
He also argued the region is being starved of transport investment: “Trains don’t get updated here like they do in the south. Some of our services run on stock that feels like it dates back to the 1970s.”
Concerns over both the cancellations and the quality of East Yorkshire’s rolling stock were echoed by Hull and East Yorkshire Liberal Democrat peer Lord Dave McCobb.
“Passengers in Hull and East Yorkshire deserve better than this,” Lord McCobb said. “Northern has cancelled services and run trains straight through Cottingham, Beverley, and Driffield, leaving people stranded on platforms. I really feel for everyone affected: commuters trying to get to work, students, people heading to hospital appointments, and those left wondering how they’ll get home.”
The peer revealed he is writing directly to Northern, arguing the issue of autumn leaves on the line is completely predictable and needs better management.
“Northern and Network Rail need a proper plan to avoid these kinds of cancellations. Leaves fall every autumn. This is entirely predictable, and Northern and Network Rail should be planning for it” Lord McCobb said.
“Finally, I would encourage anyone delayed to claim compensation through Delay Repay. If enough people claim, it will send a powerful message.”
Northern defended the service adjustments, stressing that safety must be a priority.
A Northern spokesperson said: “A large amount of leaves have fallen on the tracks in East Yorkshire following two storms and when they are compressed in wet weather, they form a thin, slippery layer which can cause trains to slide. Drivers have had to adapt, travelling at slower speeds, and trains are only being allowed to pass through a number of signals when they receive manual approval, rather than relying on an automated process.
“We have had to temporarily alter the timetable, so some services miss a number of stops between Hull and Bridlington, to ensure we can continue safely running services without causing significant disruption to the wider rail network.”