Harry Potter steam train service suspended

The steam train made famous by Harry Potter has been suspended pending a safety ruling.

The Jacobite train service through the Highlands has been suspended with immediate effect pending a ruling to allow it to continue operating in its current status.

Its operators have warned that the suspension of operations could result in a loss of value of up to £50m.

The Jacobite train appeared in the 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, and is sometimes called the Hogwarts Express in homage to JK Rowlingfranchise.

It is operated by West Coast Railways (WCR), the UK’s largest mainline heritage railway operator, and has had to suspend services as it awaits a ruling from the Office for Rail and Road (ORR) on whether it can continue to operate. Carriage with hinged doors.

Hinged door shipping exemption

The service has operated for more than 30 years under an exemption that allows it to operate on the main line using hinged door carriages, which is not normally allowed.

WCR has submitted a request for a deferment exemption and is requesting a temporary exemption from operations pending a decision by ORR.

In December last year, WCR lost a High Court challenge brought by ORR over carriage door safety issues.

The company complained that the multi-million pound cost of retrofitting central locking could “destroy” its business and argued that its door systems were equally secure.

However, the judge dismissed the operator’s lawsuit and concluded that ORR took a “reasonable” approach.

The service takes visitors from Fort William to Mallaig, passing the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Suspension could cost £50m in value

Commenting on the suspension of services, WCR commercial manager James Shuttleworth said: “Thousands of passengers use the Jacobite service every year. It boosts the local economies of Mallaig and Fort William and brings an estimated £20 million to the UK tourism industry Pounds of income.

“If the ORR does not grant us further exemption, we believe this could result in a loss of value of up to £50 million to the local and national community.”

Passengers who booked a Jacobite flight will receive a full refund, the company said.

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An ORR spokesman said heritage operators, including WCR, were told “several years ago” that in order to operate after March 31 they must have central locking (as opposed to hinged door carriages) or require an exemption.

They added: “WCR’s application for immunity failed and they requested judicial review.”

“In order to maintain the status quo, a temporary exemption was granted, allowing WCR to continue operating while the litigation is concluded.

“Nevertheless, WCR has chosen to sell tickets when it comes to whether new exemption applications will be approved before services begin or at all.

“It submitted its exemption application on March 8 and we are now assessing that application.

“ORR is disappointed that WCR does not appear to have reasonable contingency plans in place for the benefit of its customers.”