AN iconic train that featured in several Harry Potter movies has been suspended amid safety regulation challenges with immediate effect.
The suspension of The Jacobite could cost up to £50 million in lost value, its operator has warned.
The “Hogwarts Express”, as its unofficially known, has operated for more than 30 years under an exemption that allows it to run with hinged-door carriages on the main lines, which is typically not allowed.
The service - operated by West Coast Railways - has now been suspended with immediate effect as it awaits a verdict from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) on allowing it to continue operating in its current state.
The ORR said it was "disappointed that WCR appears not to have made sensible contingency plans" for customers after warnings a suspension would take place.
READ MORE: Fears as nuclear submarines at Faslane 'stretched to breaking point'
A popular tourist attraction, The Jacobite runs between Mallaig and Fort William across the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Highlands.
James Shuttleworth, commercial manager of WCR said: “The Jacobite service is enjoyed by thousands of customers every year. It boosts the local economies of Mallaig and Fort William and brings an estimated £20 million into the UK's tourism sector. If the ORR does not grant us a further exemption, we believe this could lead to up to £50 million in lost value to both local and national communities.”
“We remain committed to working with the ORR to find a long-term solution which safeguards the future of heritage services on the main line.”
An ORR spokesperson said heritage operators, including WCR were told “several years ago” that in order to operate after March 31 2023, they must either have central door locking, as opposed to hinged-door carriages, or would need an exemption.
The spokesperson said: “WCR’s application for an exemption failed and they made a claim for judicial review.
“A temporary exemption was granted in order to maintain the status quo, enabling WCR to operate whilst the litigation reached a conclusion.
“Despite this, WCR chose to sell tickets when it was far from certain that a new application for an exemption would be granted, either in time for the commencement of services or at all.
“It submitted an exemption application on 8 March, which we are now assessing.
“ORR is disappointed that WCR appears not to have made sensible contingency plans for the benefit of their customers.”
It is understood all passengers will be offered a full refund.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel