This year has been marked by the second driest spring on record in England, compounded by below-average summer rainfall across the UK, leading to significant soil issues.

As a result of these dry conditions, clay soil embankments have shrunk, disturbing track levels and prompting safety concerns.

South Western Railway (SWR) has announced a reduction in train services from London Waterloo to Devon due to these excessively dry soil conditions affecting track safety.

Specifically, the speed limit on a 12-mile stretch of track between Gillingham in Dorset and Axminster in Devon has been reduced from 85 mph to 40 mph.

This operational change comes shortly after SWR was brought into public ownership by the Labour Government in May 2025, marking a significant shift for the rail operator.

SWR's chief operating officer, Stuart Meek, expressed regret over the disruption caused by these changes, emphasizing the importance of safety and reliability in their decision-making.

Network Rail's operations director, Tom Desmond, confirmed that customer safety remains the top priority and that changes are based on a thorough analysis of ground and track conditions.

The amended timetable will also restore services to Crewkerne, Somerset, which had been reliant on bus services since late July due to similar embankment issues.

Effective August 11, the new timetable will reduce service frequency from one train per hour to one every two hours from London Waterloo to Exeter St Davids, with journey times extended by approximately one hour.

Additionally, one train per hour will continue to operate from London Waterloo to Yeovil Junction, with journey times extended by around 25 minutes.

SWR has warned that the ongoing dry conditions may necessitate further speed restrictions in the future, as attempts to stabilize the track may only provide temporary solutions.