UK heatwave: people urged to only travel if ‘absolutely necessary’ in West Midlands

The current heatwave is causing travel disruption across the West Midlands and the rest of the UK.

The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat on Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures set to reach 37°C. Passengers travelling on trains are being urged by Network Rail to only travel if essential on Monday 18 July and Tuesday 19 July, with many rail companies running reduced timetables.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) is also urging people not to travel unless it’s ‘absolutely necessary’ over the next couple of days. Here is the latest travel advice from TfWM.

If you are travelling by car

• carry out extra checks on your vehicle before driving in hot weather or bright sunshine - tyres, oil, screen wash etc.
• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
• drink plenty of fluids and ensure you always have plenty of water with you when travelling

The RAC says the extremely high temperatures are expected to lead to a huge increase in vehicle breakdowns across the UK – potentially over 1,000 more a day than is normal for mid-July – causing the RAC to urge drivers to be aware of the dangers of breaking down in the heat, and to plan accordingly.

Figures from the company show congestion levels in Birmingham were down from 46% to 43% on Monday morning (18 July).

The RAC forecasts the number of drivers needing help on Monday and Tuesday will be 15-20% higher than what’s normal for mid-July. Drivers can also reduce the chances of breaking down by making sure their cars are ready for the high temperatures. Ensuring oil and coolant levels are at the right levels is particularly important when the mercury rises, as is checking tyres are free of damage, have plenty of tread and are inflated to the right pressures.

If you are travelling by train, bus or tram

Advice from TfWM says:

• keep priority seating free for those who need it, especially as older people and those with underlying health conditions may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated
• try keep your distance from other passengers
• drink plenty of fluids and ensure you always have plenty of water with you when travelling

What about cycling?

• try to travel before 11am or after 3pm
• avoid strenuous activity in the hottest parts of the day
• use shady paths and keep your distance from others
• drink plenty of fluids and ensure you always have water with you when travelling
• apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat

Advice for those travelling through Birmingham Airport

Birmingham Airport has issued the following statement for those travelling through on Monday or Tuesday: “Stay hydrated. As well as arriving exactly when your airline advises and removing liquids and electrical items from you bags before our pre-flight security scanners, bring water to drink landside - knowing you can take the empty bottle through security and refill it at one of our water fountains when airside.”

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