RAIL passengers across Wiltshire and the South West are being urged to travel only if essential this week as soaring temperatures threaten major disruption to train services.

Both South Western Railway (SWR) and Great Western Railway (GWR) have announced reduced timetables and longer journey times as a rare Red Extreme Heat Warning comes into force tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday.

Passengers travelling through Salisbury, Trowbridge, Westbury, Pewsey and other stations across the region are being warned to expect fewer trains, busier services and possible short-notice cancellations.

SWR said an amended timetable will be in place from today through to Thursday, with trains running at reduced speeds to keep the railway safe during the heatwave.

The operator is advising customers to check before travelling and to only travel if essential on Wednesday and Thursday.

GWR has issued similar advice, warning that extreme temperatures can cause rails to expand and potentially buckle, forcing trains to slow down.

The company expects to run most services but said some trains may be cancelled or altered during the hottest parts of the day.

GWR and Network Rail performance director Daryn McCombe said: “We want to keep our customers safe during this period of extreme heat, which is why we are taking the precautionary step of amending services at the hottest times of day.

“We know this is disruptive and we’re sorry for the inconvenience it will cause, but customer safety must come first.”

SWR chief operating officer Stuart Meek added: “While we’ll be working hard to keep customers moving, the Met Office’s Red Extreme Heat Warning means an amended timetable will be in place with fewer trains on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.”

To help passengers, both operators are relaxing ticket restrictions, allowing many tickets booked for Wednesday and Thursday to be used on alternative days.

Travellers are being advised to carry plenty of water, allow extra time for journeys and check the latest service information before leaving home, as temperatures are forecast to climb towards 39C in parts of southern England.