More than 20 trains cancelled in a day as 'slippery leaves' cause chaos in East Yorkshire

Rail users in East Yorkshire have faced severe travel disruption over the past week, with more than 20 services being cancelled in a single day. Passengers in Beverley and Driffield have been hit especially hard, with rail chiefs blaming a ‘thin, slippery layer’ of compressed autumn leaves.

Northern services on the Hull to Scarborough line have suffered widespread delays and cancellations over the past seven days, particularly affecting commuters travelling between Hull, Cottingham, Beverley, and Driffield.

While trains have continued to run along the line, many have skipped intermediate rural stations and market towns, while a limited few have stopped as scheduled – leading to confusion for commuters on platforms.

The route is a vital link for rural communities, according to local representatives who are urging rail bosses to overhaul trackside vegetation management across East Yorkshire.

“That rail route is a lifeline for people that don’t drive,” said Coun Matt Rogers. “If they’re not stopping at Driffield or Beverley, then the railway becomes pointless. And if trains are running, why are they not stopping in Driffield?”

He said passengers understand delays driven by safety concerns, but would far rather trains call at all stops at reduced speeds than skip them entirely.

“I think people would rather have delayed trains than no trains at all,” Coun Rogers added. “Leaves fall on the line every year. Have they stopped managing vegetation near railways? As a farmer, I can see that vegetation in fields and borders along the line around Driffield is simply not being cleared.”

He also argued the region is being starved of transport investment: “Trains don’t get updated here like they do in the south. Some of our services run on stock that feels like it dates back to the 1970s.”

The critique comes amid broader national scrutiny of rail infrastructure in the region. Speaking at the Railway Industry Association annual conference, Rail Minister Lord Hendy warned that Britain’s aging rolling stock – some of it up to 40 years old – urgently needs replacing, describing parts of the northern fleet as ‘clapped out’.

“Every train in the north of England is clapped out. We need to replace them all. That’s a really serious investment choice,” he told the conference.

‘Passengers deserve better’ campaigning Lord states

Concerns over both the cancellations and the quality of East Yorkshire’s rolling stock were echoed by Hull and East Yorkshire Liberal Democrat peer Lord Dave McCobb.

“Passengers in Hull and East Yorkshire deserve better than this,” Lord McCobb said. “Since last Friday, Northern has cancelled services and run trains straight through Cottingham, Beverley, and Driffield, leaving people stranded on platforms.

"I really feel for everyone affected: commuters trying to get to work, students, people heading to hospital appointments, and those left wondering how they’ll get home.”

The peer revealed he is writing directly to Northern, arguing the issue of autumn leaves on the line is completely predictable and needs better management.

“Northern and Network Rail need a proper plan to avoid these kinds of cancellations. Leaves fall every autumn. This is entirely predictable, and Northern and Network Rail should be planning for it” Lord McCobb said.

“Finally, I would encourage anyone delayed to claim compensation through Delay Repay. If enough people claim, it will send a powerful message.”

Northern defended the service adjustments, stressing that safety must be a priority.

“A large amount of leaves have fallen on the tracks in East Yorkshire following two recent storms,” a Northern spokesperson said. “When compressed in wet weather, they form a thin, slippery layer that can cause train wheels to lose grip.”

“Drivers have had to adapt by travelling at slower speeds, and trains are only being permitted through several signals with manual clearance rather than automated signalling.

"To keep services moving safely without destabilising the wider network, we have temporarily altered timetables so that certain trains omit intermediate stops between Hull and Bridlington.”

The operator advised passengers to check timetables before travelling and noted that conditions are being reviewed daily. The spokesperson explained he was hopeful of a better service being delivered for passengers over the coming days.