1 00:00:02,720 --> 00:00:05,380 It's just a bit of snow and ice, isn't it? 2 00:00:06,080 --> 00:00:10,195 In fact, it takes a dedicated team and a special fleet to 3 00:00:10,195 --> 00:00:12,055 keep you moving throughout winter. 4 00:00:12,675 --> 00:00:15,610 We don't typically get lots of extremely cold weather in most 5 00:00:15,610 --> 00:00:18,170 parts of Britain. But when we do, 6 00:00:18,170 --> 00:00:21,070 it can pose serious challenges to transport infrastructure, 7 00:00:21,610 --> 00:00:23,150 like roads and the railway. 8 00:00:25,455 --> 00:00:28,175 Snow and ice can build up to block points - 9 00:00:28,175 --> 00:00:31,555 the movable sections of track that enable trains to change lines. 10 00:00:33,270 --> 00:00:36,310 This can prevent trains from accessing certain routes or 11 00:00:36,310 --> 00:00:38,010 platforms, causing delays. 12 00:00:39,830 --> 00:00:42,725 Ice can even coat the electrified third rail and 13 00:00:42,725 --> 00:00:44,025 overhead power cables. 14 00:00:44,965 --> 00:00:48,250 This stops trains from drawing the power they need to run, 15 00:00:48,250 --> 00:00:49,470 leaving them stranded. 16 00:00:51,450 --> 00:00:54,970 Icicles on tunnels and bridges can sometimes cause serious 17 00:00:54,970 --> 00:00:56,425 damage to passing trains. 18 00:00:58,405 --> 00:00:59,045 Meanwhile, 19 00:00:59,045 --> 00:01:02,360 a sharp drop in temperature after a very wet autumn can 20 00:01:02,360 --> 00:01:05,900 cause rain to freeze in between the stones that support the track. 21 00:01:07,160 --> 00:01:09,260 When it thaws, the track can move. 22 00:01:11,645 --> 00:01:15,185 Snowdrifts can form when an excessive amount of snow has fallen. 23 00:01:16,045 --> 00:01:19,165 If a train runs into a large, compacted snowdrift, 24 00:01:19,165 --> 00:01:20,500 it could even derail. 25 00:01:22,960 --> 00:01:26,410 We have a specially equipped winter fleet that includes snow 26 00:01:26,410 --> 00:01:29,475 ploughs, hot air blowers, steam jets, brushes, 27 00:01:29,475 --> 00:01:33,255 scrapers and antifreeze to clear snow and ice. 28 00:01:34,435 --> 00:01:38,190 We also use tech, like visual and thermal imaging from our 29 00:01:38,190 --> 00:01:39,490 helicopters and drones. 30 00:01:40,030 --> 00:01:43,410 These help us identify issues before they become a problem. 31 00:01:45,470 --> 00:01:49,345 We fit electric heaters and NASA-grade insulation to the points' 32 00:01:49,345 --> 00:01:52,625 operating equipment to prevent the build-up of snow and ice in 33 00:01:52,625 --> 00:01:53,605 critical locations. 34 00:01:55,990 --> 00:01:58,870 Other practical measures include fitting fences to 35 00:01:58,870 --> 00:02:00,570 routes most at risk of snowdrifts. 36 00:02:02,230 --> 00:02:06,695 Train companies also run empty trains at night to help keep tracks clear. 37 00:02:09,315 --> 00:02:12,835 We've even added protective covers to 4,000 points and 38 00:02:12,835 --> 00:02:16,760 2,500 point motors to keep snow out and prevent 39 00:02:16,760 --> 00:02:19,500 damage from ice that can fall from passing trains. 40 00:02:21,960 --> 00:02:25,275 And we're always researching and trialing new methods to 41 00:02:25,275 --> 00:02:27,455 help keep your services and freight moving. 42 00:02:30,235 --> 00:02:31,355 In previous winters, 43 00:02:31,355 --> 00:02:33,970 snow has also caused lots of disruption to railways 44 00:02:33,970 --> 00:02:35,110 elsewhere in Europe. 45 00:02:37,010 --> 00:02:37,730 In fact, 46 00:02:37,730 --> 00:02:41,065 they often experience the same problems as we do in Britain 47 00:02:41,065 --> 00:02:43,885 and need to slow trains down to keep people safe. 48 00:02:45,705 --> 00:02:48,850 Our seasons tend to be less severe than in other countries 49 00:02:48,850 --> 00:02:52,390 so we can't pre-stress our rails for extreme heat or cold. 50 00:02:53,010 --> 00:02:56,187 The same rails that must endure a heatwave in the summer have 51 00:02:56,187 --> 00:02:58,665 to withstand extreme cold months later. 52 00:03:00,725 --> 00:03:04,800 We're doing all we can to reduce delays and keep you moving safely. 53 00:03:05,580 --> 00:03:08,380 Please check to see if your train is running on time, 54 00:03:08,380 --> 00:03:10,560 and thank you for bearing with us.