The number of trains running on some routes has been reduced because of the very hot weather, but there was better news from East Midlands Railway, which is planning to restore some of the services which were axed in response to problems with the new Class 810 Aurora fleet as well as the established Class 222 Meridians. EMR said some intercity services withdrawn last month will be running again from 31 August.

The Prime Minister has hinted that he is ready to reform rail fares. Regulated rail fares in England were frozen until next March by the government of Andy Burnham’s predecessor Sir Keir Starmer.