Travel · Rail, Channel & ferries · 2 November 2026
Leaf-busting trains deployed on South Western network
Network Rail has announced that leaf-busting trains and enhanced braking technology are being used to protect the South Western network. These measures aim to maintain safety during challenging weather conditions and recent storm damage.
Network Rail has confirmed that leaf-busting trains and enhanced braking technology are being deployed on the South Western network. The measures are designed to protect services during challenging weather conditions. Recent storms have caused widespread disruption by knocking down trees across the rail infrastructure.
The leaf-busting trains will travel a distance of approximately 140,000 miles to clear tracks. Enhanced braking technology is also in use to help keep trains running safely. According to Network Rail, these actions are part of a broader effort to manage the impact of severe weather on the network.
Major weather resilience projects are currently underway as part of these efforts. These include drainage improvements on the Isle of Wight and landslip prevention work in Somerset. Further storms, heavy rain, and strong winds are expected in the coming period, which may affect travel conditions.
The announcement does not specify the exact dates for the completion of the leaf-clearing operations or the resilience projects. It also does not detail the specific routes most affected by the recent tree damage.
Written by StreetOwl from Network Rail’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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