Fire Risk

I remember the summer of 1995, in particular camping near Watchet for 3 weeks while my then fiancée was mapping the geology there. It was hot and dry. I wasn't aware of the mainline position, but remember a parched landscape giving rise to diesel assistance on the railway, and still the fire brigade came out.

I can't speak for the S&C but this summer feels drier and hotter than 1995 while much of Yorkshire is already on a hosepipe ban. I'd be inclined to cut the decision makers a bit of slack.

 

And just because parts of the route have seen rain, doesn't mean all of it has. Kirkby Stephen might've been wet, but what about Carlisle or Hellifield? The rain that appeared on Sunday down south was very localised. In north London we had a few drops about 3pm but that was it. 25 miles further north there was torrential rain and flooding.

 

D213 has run down to Taunton from Crewe today in order to work the tour to Kingswear tomorrow vice 5029.

 

Well as the ORR/DfT do not seem too concerned about keeping out OAO applications (which would be worth more) would HMG i.e. the Treasury really are about a few charters?